The European Medicines Agency (EMA) gave the green light on Friday for a third vaccine against Covid-19, the one developed by the University of Oxford and the firm AstraZeneca. "The AEM recommended the granting of a conditional marketing authorization for the vaccine against the Covid-19 AstraZeneca (…) in persons from 18 years of age". So good for all age groups. A doubt persisted in recent days, some experts having pointed out the low proportion of seniors included in the tests of the British laboratory, published last November in the prestigious journal The Lancet. If AstraZeneca did demonstrate an immune response in the elderly to its vaccine, "100% of them having generated specific antibodies after the second dose", the laboratory had included only 6% of over 65 years, points the journal Prescribe, a much lower share than that of its two competitors Moderna and Pfizer (which was in the order of 25%). But the British laboratory defends its product, which obtained marketing authorization in the United Kingdom very quickly and has already made it possible to vaccinate many elderly Britons since the beginning of January, without pitfalls. For the AEM, "As there is reliable information on the safety, the scientific experts considered that the vaccine could be used in the elderly", specifying that "More information is expected from ongoing studies, which include a higher proportion of elderly participants". Not enough to reassure all EU countries, however.
Indeed, if the AEM has authorized this new vaccine for all adults, some countries will choose to review their vaccination policy and direct injections to those under 65 years of age. In France, the High Authority for Health (HAS) has today validated the AstraZeneca serum, but does not recommend for use in seniors. Same story with some neighbors. The German vaccination commission has issued an unfavorable opinion to the German health minister concerning the use of this vaccine in people over 65 years of age. Also in Italy, the drug agency advises "preferential use" of the vaccine for 18 to 55 year olds.
AstraZeneca vaccine: advantages but doses that will be delayed
This precious serum is eagerly awaited, in particular because its "classic" technology (a cold virus in which a gene coding for the S protein of the coronavirus and causing an immune reaction has been inserted) gives it an undeniable advantage. Its doses are more easily transportable (no need for super freezers at -70 ° C) and their storage is easy. What will pave the way for vaccination in pharmacies: this has just been confirmed by the Federation of Pharmaceutical Unions of France (FSPF). Initially, it will make it possible to rapidly vaccinate healthcare personnel in cities … As long as we have doses! Indeed, AstraZeneca had announced last week a big delay in delivery. In France alone, it would only provide around 4 million doses in February and March, while it was initially hoped for 16 million … The first injections are expected to begin the week of February 14.
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