OXFORD, ENGLAND - A leading government scientist has claimed that a return to normal life may be imminent, following a major breakthrough in the development of a Covid-19 vaccine.

Oxford University professor John Bell, a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), told the BBC yesterday that he believes “with some confidence” that the coronavirus could be brought under control by next spring.

Bell offered his prediction following reports that a vaccine being developed by Pfizer and BioNTech has been found to be 90% effective.

However, other researchers are calling for caution, warning that while the findings of the Phase 3 clinical trial mark an important milestone, an end to the pandemic may still be a long way off.


How the Pfizer vaccine works


The jab uses lab-created genetic material to produce a life-saving immune response.


UK clinics could distribute vaccine by Christmas


Britain could start distributing a coronavirus vaccine by Christmas, the deputy chief medical officer has claimed, after early findings showed one vaccine in development is 90% effective.

Doctors’ leaders said Covid vaccination clinics could run for seven days a week, while the developers of the vaccine - Pfizer and BioNTech - plan to apply for emergency approval to use the vaccine by the end of the month.