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Pharmaceutical industry

EU Eyes Restrictions on Covid-19 Vaccine Exports Amid Delays and Disputes

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

European Union regulators are gearing up to announce potential restrictions on the export of Covid-19 vaccines, following a high-stakes dispute between the bloc and pharmaceutical companies over reduced supplies. As the European Union continues to grapple with delays and controversies surrounding the rollout of the AstraZeneca vaccine, EU officials are seeking greater transparency and control over the distribution of vaccines within the bloc.

Key Takeaways:

  • The European Commission is expected to announce potential restrictions on the export of Covid-19 vaccines, in response to disputes with AstraZeneca over delayed deliveries and reduced supplies.
  • Germany's vaccine commission has advised giving the AstraZeneca vaccine only to people aged 18 to 64, citing inadequate data on its efficacy in older age groups.
  • The European Medicines Agency is expected to recommend the use of the Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine among EU member states, but the decision on age restrictions will depend on further data.
  • EU officials have expressed concerns over the pace of the vaccine rollout in the bloc, with several countries experiencing shortages due to AstraZeneca's production issues and Pfizer's slowing deliveries.
  • The European Commission has proposed a transparency and authorization mechanism for vaccine exports, which would require companies to notify national authorities and wait for approval before shipping vaccines out of the EU.
  • The new mechanism would not affect humanitarian aid or COVAX, the global initiative to distribute vaccines to poorer countries.

Statistics:

  • The European Commission has ordered 400 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine on behalf of EU member states.
  • AstraZeneca has announced delays in delivering doses to the EU, citing production challenges.
  • Germany's vaccine commission has recommended giving the AstraZeneca vaccine to people aged 18-64 only, due to inadequate data on its efficacy in older age groups.
  • TheEuropean Medicines Agency is expected to recommend the use of the Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine among EU member states, but the decision on age restrictions will depend on further data.
  • The EU has warned that it will use "all legal means and enforcement measures" if no satisfactory solution is found with vaccine manufacturers.

Sources:

  • CNN: Byline: Laura Smith-Spark, James Frater and Schams Elwazer
  • European Commission
  • European Medicines Agency
  • AstraZeneca
  • German vaccine commission (STIKO)
  • UK regulator MHRA

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