Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine set to clearance by year-end: Report The Oxford University vaccine against coronavirus (COVID-19) being produced by AstraZeneca is likely to get regulatory approval from the U.K.’s independent regulator by the end of this year for a roll-out to begin in early 2021, according to a U.K. media report. The Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which had been formally tasked by the U.K. government last month with the process of clearance after the jab emerged safe and effective against the novel coronavirus in human trials, is expected to authorise the vaccine by December 28 or 29 after the final data is provided on Monday,