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The European Commission on Thursday outlined key elements that member states need to take into account when developing their coronavirus vaccination strategy. The Brussels panel’s proposal also addresses which groups should have priority in vaccination.
Europe has entered a new phase of the Covid-19 pandemic, so it is critical that countries adopt common vaccination strategies and approaches.
A safe and effective vaccine offers the best chance of defeating the coronavirus and returning us to our daily routine, said the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, in relation to the published recommendation. Von der Leyen noted that a lot of work has been done to conclude agreements with pharmaceutical companies and provide vaccine doses that can be used in the future, and now we must be fully prepared for the introduction of the vaccine.
We must all be prepared for the next steps. The vaccine is not a panacea, but it will play a central role in saving lives and curbing the pandemic, added Stella Kiriakidis, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety.
The Commission communication recalls that, in line with the EU strategy for coronavirus vaccines of June 17, the Commission and Member States will guarantee the production of vaccines against Covid-19 based on market commitments. with European vaccine manufacturers. Vaccines developed against the coronavirus can only be marketed if they have been authorized by the European Medicines Agency in accordance with safety and efficacy standards.
The European Commission considers that the time has come for Member States to develop a common vaccination strategy for the use of the vaccine. According to the Commission, Member States should, among other things, ensure that:
- vaccination services must have sufficient capacity to administer vaccines, including trained professionals, medical equipment, and protective equipment;
- vaccines must be easily accessible and affordable for target groups;
- the necessary conditions are available for the use of vaccines with different properties and that require different storage or transport;
- Providing people with clear information on the benefits, risks and importance of coronavirus vaccines, which is essential for building confidence.
The Commission emphasizes: each Member State will have access to coronavirus vaccines at the same time, in proportion to its population. However, they also note that vaccine doses are initially expected to be available in limited quantities, and the Commission Communication also provides examples, without prioritization, of which groups Member States should prioritize when initiating vaccination. These groups are:
- professionals who work in health care and long-term care;
- residents over 60;
- people who are at higher risk due to their health condition;
- workers in key positions;
- people for whom community distance cannot be resolved;
- members of disadvantaged socioeconomic groups.
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