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The EU medical regulator has approved the Pfizer / BioNTech coronavirus vaccine for use throughout the European Union.
The measure by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) paves the way for it to be implemented across the continent, although the European Commission has yet to give the green light to this.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said that she expects a decision tonight.
Ursula von der Leyen has said that she expects a decision from the commission tonight.
He said the approval is a “watershed moment in our efforts to deliver safe and effective vaccines to Europeans.”
The vaccine has already been approved in the UK and US, and both countries have rolled out it across the country.
EMA Executive Director Emer Cooke said: “Today’s positive news is an important step in our fight against this pandemic, which has caused suffering and hardship for many.
“We have achieved this milestone thanks to the dedication of scientists, clinicians, developers and trial volunteers, as well as many experts from all EU member states.
“Our comprehensive evaluation means that we can confidently assure EU citizens of the safety and efficacy of this vaccine and that it meets the necessary quality standards. However, our work does not stop there.
“We will continue to collect and analyze data on the safety and efficacy of this vaccine to protect people who get vaccinated in the EU.”
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The Pfizer vaccine is remarkable because it must be kept at -70 ° C, which requires complex supply chain management.
The UK started jabbing earlier this month, and the Secretary for Transport Grant Shapps told Sky News earlier today about 500,000 people had received a first dose so far.
A second dose is required after 21 days.
