On Friday 24 January, the European Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) signed a contract with the US pharmaceutical group Moderna, on behalf of 17 participating countries, for the joint purchase of Covid-19 vaccines.
The participating countries (Belgium, Cyprus, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Slovenia, as well as North Macedonia and Norway) will be able to order up to 146 million doses of the mRNA Covid-19 vaccine, depending on national context and with no minimum amount of doses to be bought. The contract will run for a period of up to four years. During the Covid-19 crisis, the Commission had already made joint purchases of vaccines in 2020 and 2021.
This joint procurement ensures security of supply and enhances preparedness of participating countries against health crises, according to the Commission.
While vaccines are already available, this contract further facilitates the access to a vaccine that offers easy transportation and storage conditions. This could prove useful in an emergency, as the vaccine can be stored at regular freezing temperatures with no need for ultra cold chain conditions, allowing it to be delivered even faster and securely.
In addition, pre-filled syringes will be made available to participating countries, which will make it easier to administer the vaccine and ensure a more rapid vaccination campaign. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)