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"Beginning Of The End?" - Prime Minister Urges Caution As Coronavirus Vaccine Emerges

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has warned there are still several more significant hurdles to go before a coronavirus vaccine can be rolled out.

It comes after pharmaceutical company Pfizer announced its vaccine was 90% effective in preventing the illness.

Speaking at a news conference today, Mr Johnson asked "does the progress towards a vaccine mean we are the beginning of the end of our troubles?"

Despite saying news of a vaccine was a "significant hurdle", the PM warned "we haven't yet seen the full safety data" and urged caution. He said:

"I must stress that these are very very early days. I have spoke of the scientific cavalry coming over the hill. I can tell you that the bugle is getting louder..."

He said "if and when" the Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine is approved, the UK will be "ready to start using it". 

He claimed the UK is "towards the front of the pack" with 40 million doses already ordered.

He also confirmed 300 million vaccines from other candidates have also been ordered.

More follows.

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