Latest: Coronavirus in Spain figures (22 Jan)
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has given the green light to the Covid-19 vaccine developed by US biotech-firm Moderna, which now gives the 27 EU states a second vaccine, in addition to the one from Pfizer-BioNTech, to use in the battle to control the virus. The Moderna vaccine is given as two injections, 28 days apart, and back in November trials showed that it has nearly 95% effectiveness.
The approval recommendation has been given by the EMA’s human medicines committee – and will now need to also be approved by the European Commission itself. It comes amid high rates of Covid-19 infections in many EU countries and strong criticism of the slow pace of vaccinations across the region.
‘This vaccine provides us with another tool to overcome the current emergency,’ said Emer Cooke, Executive Director of EMA. ‘It is a testament to the efforts and commitment of all involved that we have this second positive vaccine recommendation just short of a year since the pandemic was declared by WHO [World Health Organisation].’
‘As for all medicines, we will closely monitor data on the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine to ensure ongoing protection of the EU public,’ said Cooke. ‘Our work will always be guided by the scientific evidence and our commitment to safeguard the health of EU citizens.’
Up to Tuesday 5 January, Spain has received a total of 743,925 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, of which 139,339 jabs have been administered (representing 18.7% of doses received). Details per region are here: Covid-19 Vaccinations in Spain (to 5 Jan)
📢 EMA has recommended granting a conditional marketing authorisation for COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna to prevent #COVID19 in people from 18 years of age: https://t.co/l9KMZlx7wa pic.twitter.com/BdvXanjOHN
— EU Medicines Agency (@EMA_News) January 6, 2021
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