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On Monday, it became clear that the American biotech company Moderna is applying for a permit to use the gene-based vaccine within the EU. A similar condition is also requested from the US Food and Drug Administration, FDA.
If the company obtains a permit it is quickly said that it will be possible to start vaccinating in the United States from December 21. In Europe, it takes a little longer.
– We are 27 EU countries and therefore it takes a little longer. If all goes as well as possible, it will be possible to get approval in early January and for certain groups to be vaccinated with the vaccine by the end of January, says Sweden’s vaccine coordinator Richard Bergström.
Most however, the vaccine will not be delivered until the second quarter of 2021.
Modern has tested the vaccine in 30,000 people who received the real vaccine or an unprotected placebo. Of the 30,000, 196 developed covid-19 and of these, 185 had received the placebo preparation. Only 11 of those who received the vaccine contracted the disease. No one was seriously injured.
According to the company, the side effects were mild. Some subjects developed headaches and other minor symptoms.
“I think this vaccine could change everything about the pandemic,” CEO Stéphane Bancel told the Wall Street Journal.
Modern vaccines are targeted primarily for adults and the elderly and has not been tested in adolescents under 18 years of age. In Europe, the active substance is manufactured in Switzerland and then packaged in France and Spain. It is estimated that the EU will buy just over 100 million doses of the vaccine, of which Sweden will receive two million.
– The European Commission signed an agreement with Moderna last week and it is now on the government table. I think a decision will be made in a couple of days, says Richard Bergström.
When Sweden receives the new vaccine, will people be able to choose which vaccine to receive?
– It is not really my table, but rather logistics and practicality that will decide, at least initially when we do not have so much access to the different vaccines.
