Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Vaccine Update

08 December 2020 · Department of Health and Social Care

Proposed by Nadhim Zahawi Con Stratford-on-Avon

NHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

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At a glance

Key points

  • The statement addresses the contingent liabilities related to the contract between HMG and Pfizer/BioNTech for their COVID-19 vaccine.
  • I have laid a Departmental Minute today containing a description of the liability undertaken in relation to the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine.
  • Indemnities are provided for unforeseen adverse reactions.

Issue summary

The statement addresses the contingent liabilities related to the contract between HMG and Pfizer/BioNTech for their COVID-19 vaccine.

Action requested

I have laid a Departmental Minute today containing a description of the liability undertaken in relation to the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, as part of the government's strategy to manage COVID-19 until an effective vaccine can be deployed at scale. The statement also notes that indemnities are provided for unforeseen adverse reactions.

Key facts

  • On December 2, the MHRA gave authorisation for the use of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
  • The agreement includes an indemnity to secure access to vaccines with expected benefits to public health and the economy.
  • Other nation states are offering indemnities as part of their contractual arrangements or other means like the US PREP Act.
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