Brussels agrees that Pfizer-BioNTech reduce the delivery of covid vaccines to the EU

Brussels, May 26. The European Commission (EC) announced today that it has agreed with the pharmaceutical company Pfizer-BioNTech to reduce and slow down the delivery of covid vaccines to the countries of the European Union “given the improvement of the epidemiological situation.”

“The modification of the existing vaccine supply contract takes into account the improvement of the epidemiological situation, while continuing to guarantee access to the latest available version of the vaccine, in case worrying variants of covid-19 appear in the future. “The European Commission said in a statement.

The agreed reduction, of which Brussels offered few details, refers to the “optional” doses signed by the EU member states through the joint purchasing platform.

Countries will pay “a fee” for these vaccines, which they can deduct from the price they would have to pay if they decide to reactivate orders for additional doses in the future.

The European Commission, on behalf of the Twenty-seven, signed a contract with the German-American pharmaceutical consortium for a consignment of 900 million doses, with an option for another 900 million. Of the initial order, 450 doses were to be delivered in 2021 and 2022 and another 450 million in 2023.

The Community Executive, however, did not offer details on the quantities and prices, as it is “sensitive commercial information” contractually protected by confidentiality.

“We have largely controlled the pandemic through our vaccines and vaccination. And while Covid-19 is no longer a global health emergency, it remains a threat that is likely here to stay. It is therefore crucial that we Let’s be prepared for the years to come,” European Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides said in a statement. EFE

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(More information on the European Union at euroefe.euractiv.es)

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