Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine approved for EU rollout

The vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford has been approved for rollout in the European Union a little over two weeks after it was sent in for certification to the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

The EU confirmed its certification last Friday and falls exactly on the tentative deadline provided by the EMA for approval - January 29.

Read more: Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine submitted for EU regulation

It is the third vaccine to be given the green light in the bloc, and one of eight in the system to some degree after the EU entered talks with Valnera on January 13.

According to their contract with the EU, AstraZeneca is set to supply 400 million doses of their jab to the bloc throughout 2021. This will add to the 600 million doses provided by Pfizer and the 160 million provided by Moderna.

Its rollout has been endorsed by the member states as the EU continues to struggle with vaccine supply to meet both domestic and foreign demand for inoculation.

The vaccine has also seen rollout in the UK and China.

The EU has been in a spat with the UK over vaccine supply, which has soured the relationship between the two so soon after the UK's withdrawal from the bloc.

The UK itself is set to face temporary supply shortages while the major players ramp up vaccine production to meet global demand.

Read more: UK vaccine production may face supply disruption

The vaccine will be given to adults over 18 years and older, however, the EMA is proceeding with trepidation as there have been few clinical trials performed on those over the age of 55 within their jurisdiction.

Member states were consulted before marketing authorisation was granted, effectively giving it permission for rollout in the EU.

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said: “Securing safe vaccines for Europeans is our utmost priority. With the AstraZeneca vaccine now authorized, 400 million additional doses will be available in Europe.

"I expect the company to deliver these doses as agreed so that Europeans can be vaccinated as soon as possible. We will continue doing all we can to secure more vaccines for Europeans, our neighbours and our partners worldwide.”

Stella Kyriakides, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, said: “With this newly authorised vaccine, our portfolio continues to take shape. Our EU Vaccines Strategy has always aimed to have a vaccine portfolio that is broad and diverse, with different technologies used, to maximise our chances of providing safe and effective vaccines to citizens as soon as possible.

"The European Medicines Agency's authorisation today is another step towards delivering on this promise. The Commission continues to work around the clock to secure more vaccines for Europe and our international partners. We are leaving no stone unturned in our fight against this pandemic."

Read more: Big Tech must keep tabs on Covid-19 "fake news," EU warns

The EU has set up schemes to not only supply the bloc with vaccines but also to provide jabs for nation across the globe.

However, demand solely within the EU itself has outstripped the currently available supply.

Many western countries have been accused of hoarding vaccines from developing nations, which generally have far higher mortality rates.

Oxford and AstraZeneca have pledged 64% of their vaccine to developing nations - a promise they have yet to deliver on.

Back to Homepage

Back to Healthcare