An 82-year-old Briton became the first person in the world to receive the controversial COVID-19 vaccine by AstraZeneca and Oxford University on Monday.
Brian Pinker, a dialysis patient who was born and raised in Oxford, received the jab at 7:30 a.m., while the UK released the latest vaccine, one that the US has not yet approved amid questions of mistakes made during testing.
“I am so excited to receive the COVID vaccine today and even proud to be one that was invented in Oxford,” said Pinker, according to the UK National Health Service.
“Now I’m looking forward to celebrating the 48th wedding anniversary with my wife Shirley later this year.”
Sam Foster, Oxford University Hospital’s chief nurse, administered the shooting, calling it a “real privilege” to give it “just a few hundred yards from where it was developed.”
The head of the vaccine trial, Professor Andrew Pollard, was among the first groups to receive the shot on Monday, calling it “an incredibly proud moment”.
Jabul AstraZeneca / Oxford has been recognized for several key advantages over other vaccines. It is cheaper and can be stored and transported more easily, as it does not have to be stored at ultra-cold temperatures.
However, it is unlikely to get approval in the US until April at the earliest, as regulators await further studies, according to the chief researcher of Operation Warp Speed.
The jab research team acknowledged that it accidentally underdosed during the studies, which produced the best results – but raised further questions about the relatively small size and young age of those receiving that dose.