RIYADH — The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has approved the use of the Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Thursday.

The nod for the use and import of the vaccine was given by the SFDA after reviewing the provided data with all its details, according to accurate scientific methodology, the report said.

According to the report, the health authorities in the Kingdom will initiate procedures for using the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine in accordance with the relevant standards and requirements.

The SFDA will also analyze samples from each incoming shipment of the vaccine before using it.

The SFDA also pointed out that indicated that it is it is following a scientific mechanism to approve the use of vaccines after reviewing the safety, efficacy and quality of vaccines through clinical trials and studies, and scientific data that show the quality of manufacturing and product stability.

The authority also verifies the manufacturing stages and the factory's commitment to applying the foundations of good pharmaceutical manufacturing.