The European Union has opted for a more cautious approach to approving COVID-19 vaccines, favoring a "conditional authorization" under an "accelerated procedure" rather than the emergency use authorizations adopted by countries like the UK and the US. This decision reflects a commitment to thorough data evaluation and manufacturer accountability, even as it extends the approval timeline.
The EU's conditional authorization involves rigorous checks both before and after authorization, continuous monitoring of the production process, and extended authorization periods. Crucially, it holds manufacturers liable for any side effects associated with their vaccines. According to the European Medicines Agency (EMA), this approach ensures greater safety and control compared to emergency use authorizations.
Emergency use authorizations, while expediting vaccine deployment, allow for the use of vaccines before complete data on safety and side effects are available. While this can save time, it also carries inherent risks. In the US and UK, emergency authorization was granted to BNT162b2, the BioNTech and Pfizer vaccine, allowing immediate use while ongoing data collection continues.
The EU authorities rejected the emergency use route, deeming the conditional authorization process safer for its citizens. This decision means that BioNTech-Pfizer retains responsibility for the side effects of their vaccine within the EU, whereas, in emergency use scenarios, the state often assumes responsibility for damages, albeit with potentially lower compensation.
Despite the urgent need for vaccines, EU officials have maintained that all three phases of clinical trials must be completed and all data thoroughly evaluated, aligning with the standard approval process for any vaccine. While the "accelerated approval" process still requires time, the EU considers the added safety and accountability worth the slightly longer wait.
