The Swissmedic regulatory authority in Switzerland gave a go-ahead for Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine on Saturday. It is the first vaccine authorised for use in the wealthy European nation. "After a meticulous review of the available information, Swissmedic concluded that the Covid-19 vaccine from Pfizer/BioNTech is safe and that its benefit outweighs the risks," the medic regulatory body said in a statement.

Swissmedic director Raimund Bruhin said, "The safety of patients is an essential prerequisite, especially where the authorisation of vaccines is concerned". "Thanks to the rolling procedure and our flexibly organised teams, we nevertheless managed to reach a decision quickly -- while also fully satisfying the three most important requirements of safety, efficacy and quality", he added. Switzerland with Population of  8.6 million has secured around 15.8 million COVID-19 vaccine doses through deals with three manufacturers. Pfizer/Biotech vaccine will supply three million doses as per the deal. Moderna will supply 7.5 million doses and Oxford's Astrazeneca will provide 5.3 million doses according to the individual deal with the respective companies. 

"The epidemiological situation is a cause of great concern," the government said in a statement and ordering the restaurants and bars to close again across the country due to rapid increase in Covid-19 cases and deaths. "The number of infections is very high and is continuing to rise. Hospitals and healthcare workers have been under extreme pressure for weeks and the festive period increases the risk of an even more rapid rise in cases," official statement explained. Each day more than 4000 new cases and 100 deaths is been reported. Totally, the country has recorded more than 400,000 cases and nearly 6,000 deaths since the start of the pandemic.  

Jeo Biden, wife Jill to receive Covid-19 vaccine on Dec 21

US FDA to investigate 5 allergic reactions, Covid 19 vaccination

Saudi becomes the first Arab country to roll out the Pfizer-BioNTech shot