The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has postponed its decision regarding the approval of the COVID-19 vaccine developed by BioNTech and Pfizer. This delay potentially pushes the distribution of the vaccine within the European Union to early next year, impacting initial timelines for vaccination programs.
The EMA is now scheduled to provide its opinion on the BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine at a meeting on December 29. Following this assessment, the agency's recommendation will be forwarded to individual member countries for their respective approvals. This process introduces a lag between the EMA's decision and the actual commencement of vaccinations across the EU.
Furthermore, the evaluation of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine has been postponed until January 12 of the following year. This additional delay affects the overall timeline for vaccine availability within the EU, potentially impacting public health strategies and economic recovery efforts.
German Health Minister Jens Spahn had previously indicated that vaccinations in Germany could begin before the end of the current year. However, in light of the EMA's delayed decision, Spahn has revised his forecast, stating, "I think we can start vaccination in January at the latest." He also noted that the vaccine will likely not be available to the general population until early summer.
