All EU countries to start coronavirus vaccination “on the same day”

The 27 countries of the European Union will start their campaigns “on the same day”. vaccination against coronavirus As a sign of unity, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said on Wednesday.

“We’ll start As soon as possible vaccination all together, all 27, on the same day, the same way we went through this pandemic together, ”the official said in a speech to the European Parliament.

“To control the pandemic, we will have to vaccinate up to 70% Population. It’s a huge task, ”he said.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA), the regulatory body of the EU, advanced to monday Its meeting to assess the approval of the vaccine developed by Pfizer / BioNTech laboratories is approaching.

At the same time, the United Kingdom and the United States have already started to vaccinate, a situation which has caused impatience in countries like Germany, which wants to start its campaign before Christmas.

“To control the pandemic, we will need to vaccinate up to 70% of the population. It’s a huge task ”

Ursula von der Leyen

The President of the European Commission

European standards allow each country to make decisions about launching vaccination campaigns, but the EU prefers unified action to avoid areas lagging behind.

Von der Leyen also recalled that the Pfizer / BioNTech vaccine is just one of six the EU has in store, with huge up-front purchase contracts already signed.

“In total, we bought more than enough doses for everyone in Europe. And we will be able to support our neighbors and allies around the world, ”said Von der Leyen.

This cooperation could be carried out through the COVAX program, coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO), precisely so that vaccines deemed effective and safe are available in all countries and not just in the richest.

AFP

ap