The European Commission has signed contracts with laboratories to ensure the health sovereignty of the Union. What are these vaccines from which we could benefit from 2021?
In the fight against the coronavirus, the vaccine represents an important step to get out of the epidemic. Hopes are high and research is advancing in leaps and bounds. To finance this, the European Commission has signed contracts with pharmaceutical laboratories in the form of pre-purchases. In return for this funding, the laboratories undertake to provide priority to the States of the European Union. The touteleurope.eu website (portal for information on the functioning of the European Union) explains that the Commission pays the laboratories a deposit, which will be completed by the 27 Member States. They also have their say, since they are members of a steering committee that participates in negotiations with the laboratories. Finally, the European Commission is trying to coordinate the distribution of vaccines, so that States have coherent policies for the vaccination of their populations.
This policy is carried out according to the maxim of Ursula Von der Leyen, President of the European Commission and former doctor: "The European Union will only be safe if the rest of the world is safe." Thus, the European Union takes responsibility for making rapid progress on the vaccine, so that it can then help nationals of less wealthy countries to protect their populations as well.
A brief overview of the 6 vaccines against Covid19
Six vaccine candidates are in development for citizens of the European Union, and the first doses could be available in 2021. While at varying stages of development, all show good results in tests. Vaccines must be approved by the European Medicines Agency. The negative effects noted during the tests are a rather painful injection, possible headaches afterwards, or even fatigue for a few days. The other important issue is the storage of these vaccines, given the large number of doses delivered at the same time and the necessary cold. France Info has drawn up a very detailed and technical overview of the specifics of these vaccines. Here's what to remember …
– the Moderna vaccine : for the moment the one with the most advantages. An opinion is expected for the marketing authorization by the European Medicines Agency by January 12, 2021. It should therefore arrive in the first. The laboratory reports on 100% effectiveness against severe forms of Covid. The vaccine requires two injections. Part of the production is carried out in Monts in Indre-et-Loire. It can be stored at -20 ° C for six months then thirty days in the refrigerator.
– the Pfizer / BioNTech vaccine : the authorization notice must arrive no later than December 29, 2020. The laboratory is 94.5% efficient (which must be rechecked by independent analyzes). It also requires two injections, and also has part of production in France, in Eure-et-Loir. The only downside: technical conservation, at -70 ° C.
– the AstraZeneca / Oxford vaccine : It does not yet have a scheduled marketing authorization notice date. During tests, the laboratory identified a dosage that was 90% effective. According to the laboratory, it does not have any negative effects after injection, without further details being disclosed.
– the Johnson & Johnson vaccine (Janssen) : the period of 2021 is mentioned, without further details, with the possibility of accelerating the procedure to authorize or not its marketing.
The testing has not yet reached the full-scale phase. The vaccine can be stored for up to 2 years at -20 ° C, and at least three months between 2 and 8 degrees. A significant transport advantage. Only one injection could be given.
– the Sanofi / GSK vaccine : "The aim is to obtain approval from the health authorities by the first half of 2021", explains Sanofi, with distribution from June according to France Info.
This vaccine can be stored in a classic refrigerator and will be produced in part in the Paris and Lyon regions.
– the CureVac vaccine : this vaccine is still in its infancy since the last phase of testing is to be launched in December 2020. The results are “encouraging” says the laboratory, without further details. This vaccine candidate is relatively easy to store and can even be stored for up to 24 hours at room temperature before use. It requires two injections.
In France, we are heading towards a voluntary vaccination campaign, with priority given to the most vulnerable people, health personnel and people at high risk. Asked by our colleagues at Midi Libre on the choice of vaccine, the vice-president of the Technical Committee for Vaccinations Daniel Floret explains that "to say that people will be able to choose their vaccine seems utopian (…) Cit is more a decision of the attending physician ". As well as a discussion with the patient.