British expert predicts multiple vaccines will be ready early next year

A leading scientific adviser to the British government says he expects several coronavirus vaccines to be approved by early 2021, allowing life to begin to return to normal.

John Bell, professor of medicine at Oxford University, tells lawmakers that Monday’s announcement by US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer that its vaccine candidate was effective in treating patients was likely just the start.

Bell, a member of the government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), says the news signaled other leading potential vaccines in late-stage trials could prove similarly effective.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if we hit the new year with two or three vaccines all of which could be distributed,” he tells a parliamentary hearing.

“I’m quite optimistic of getting enough vaccinations done in the first quarter of next year that by spring things will start to look much more normal than they do now.”

Bell adds that he believes there is a 70 to 80 percent chance of that scenario unfolding.

— AFP