EBN – The European Commission announced its approval on Friday for the modification of the BionTech-Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.
The decision comes within the battle against COVID-19, as the modification will help to combat the new omicron XBB.1 subvariant.
This updated vaccine, marketed as Comirnaty, has been licensed for adults, children, and infants aged six months and above.
Comirnaty: Crucial Milestone
The European Union’s executive body hailed this development as a crucial milestone in the ongoing fight against the virus. Notably, this marks the third update to this vaccine.
The adapted vaccine will not only bolster protection against the emerging omicron XBB.1 subvariant. It will also enhance immunity against existing and future variants.
Indeed, this is in line with recommendations from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
EU Streamlines Vaccine Approach
As part of the guidelines, the Commission has advised that adults and children aged five years and older, who require vaccination, should receive a single dose, irrespective of their previous COVID-19 vaccination history. This streamlined approach aims to expedite the vaccination process, especially in preparation for the upcoming autumn-winter vaccination campaign.
The European Commission’s authorisation follows a thorough evaluation by the EMA.
The evaluation takes place under an accelerated assessment mechanism, providing member states with ample time to implement the vaccination campaign.
Through this contract modification with BioNTech-Pfizer, signed in May 2023, the European Union ensures continued access to vaccines. Those vaccines are tailored to address the evolving COVID-19 variants in the years ahead.
