[ad_1]
BRUSSELS: A senior European Union official said on Wednesday (November 25) that the first citizens of the 27-nation bloc could get vaccinated against the coronavirus at Christmas, but warned that member countries must urgently prepare their logistics chains for the deployment of hundreds of millions of doses of the vaccines.
Stating that “there is finally light at the end of the tunnel”, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told EU lawmakers that “the first European citizens could already be vaccinated before the end of December.”
The commission, the executive arm of the EU, has agreements with six potential vaccine suppliers and is working on a seventh contract. The agreements allow it to acquire more than 800 million doses, more than the population of the block, which is around 460 million people.
On Tuesday, Brussels said it would sign a contract for up to 160 million doses of the experimental coronavirus vaccine developed by Moderna, which the company says appears to be 94.5% effective, based on its preliminary data.
READ: The EU reaches an agreement for the supply of 160 million doses of the Modern COVID-19 vaccine
But von der Leyen said that while vaccines are important, “it’s the vaccines that count.”
“The member states must prepare now. We are talking about millions of syringes, we are talking about cold chains, we are talking about organizing vaccination centers, we are talking about trained personnel who are there. Whatever. All this has to be prepared.” he warned.
Still, Von der Leyen urged European citizens to continue to abide by the restrictions, even as the measures harm businesses, further damage coronavirus-ravaged economies and put people in social and mental difficulties.
“With almost 3,000 deaths a day, COVID-19 was the leading cause of death in the EU last week. Hospitals remain under stress and, in some regions, some intensive care units are overwhelmed, “he said.
“We must learn from the summer and not repeat the same mistakes. Relaxing too much is a risk for a third wave after Christmas, “said von der Leyen, adding that” this Christmas will be different, and yes, it will be calmer. “
CHECK THIS: Our comprehensive coverage of the coronavirus outbreak and its developments
Download our app or subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak: https://cna.asia/telegram
