BRUSSELS: The improved COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer and its German partner BioNtech (22UAy.DE) will be used in immunization programs in EU nations this autumn to combat the prevalent Omicron XBB.1.5 strain.
The European Commission has granted authorization for the use of an updated COVID-19 vaccine, known as Comirnaty.
The vaccine is specifically designed to target the prevalent Omicron XBB.1.5 variant. It marks the third modified vaccine to be utilized within the European Union. The Commission has permitted its usage for adults, kids and infants older than six months.
EU Agreement with Pfizer
Earlier this week, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) had granted approval for this vaccine. Regardless of prior vaccinations, the EMA and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control advise only administering one dose.
The EU revised its agreement with Pfizer in May, reducing the amount of doses due to a decline in demand, extending the expiration date to 2026, and allowing access to modified vaccines.
