Modified vaccines for variants to be fast-tracked without skipping on safety

The regulator has said authorised Covid-19 vaccines modified in response to new variants will not need a brand new approval (Danny Lawson/PA)

Coronavirus vaccines tweaked to deal with variants will be fast-tracked without compromising on safety or effectiveness, the UK’s regulator has said.

The approach will be similar to the regulatory process for the modified flu vaccine, to deal with new strains each year, with a brand new approval not required.