PANAMA CITY, Dec 15 (Reuters) - Panama has approved the emergency use of Pfizer Inc's COVID-19 vaccine, and the first batch of the shot could reach the Central American country in the first quarter next year, health vice-minister Ivette Barrio said on Tuesday.

Neighboring Costa Rica also approved the drug on Tuesday, joining a number of other countries including the United States and Britain. (Reporting by Elida Moreno, Writing by Daina Beth Solomon Editing by Shri Navaratnam)