The World Health Organization has recommended the vaccine developed by the University of Oxford and AstraZeneca even in countries tackling new variants of coronavirus.

"There is no reason not to recommend its use even in countries that have circulation of the variant," said Dr Alejandro Cravioto, the chairman of WHO's Sage.

The recommendation of the vaccine comes following controversy about its effectiveness against new variants. Where early data from trials in South Africa showed the vaccine was offering "minimal protection" against mild and moderate disease in young people.

For which, the WHO's director of immunisation, Dr Katherine O'Brien has said that the South African study was "inconclusive" and it was "plausible" the vaccine would still prevent severe disease.

The WHO also says the vaccine can be used in people aged over 65 as well and advised on spacing out the two doses, as it makes the vaccine more effective.

The WHO's Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization, known as Sage, has been scrutinising evidence from vaccine trials and the interim recommendations says that the vaccine is 63% effective overall.

The Oxford and AstraZeneca vaccine is cheap, can be mass produced and is stored in a standard fridge.