COVID-19 Vaccines: Commission activates the purchase of 150 million optional doses by Moderna for vaccines in 2022

Today, the European Commission approved the amendment to the second contract with the pharmaceutical company Moderna for the activation, on behalf of all EU Member States, of 150 million additional doses in 2022. The revised contract provides for the possibility to purchase vaccines adapted to virus variants as well as vaccines for paediatric use and booster vaccines. Thanks to the well-established cooperation with the company, the contract also guarantees timely delivery from the third quarter of 2021 to end 2022 and the possibility to adapt it to the needs of each Member State depending on their epidemiological situation. Member States have the possibility to resell or donate doses to countries in need outside the EU or through the COVAX Facility, contributing to a global and fair access to vaccines across the world. President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said: “We are securing 150 million additional doses of vaccines. And we are securing a contract for the flexibility we need to procure a new generation of adapted COVID-19 vaccines, that are effective against variants. This will enable us to protect citizens from new variants of the virus.” Stella Kyriakides, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, said: “As agreed with all Health Ministers, we are securing a diversified portfolio of future vaccines, with yet another mRNA vaccine that has already proven its worth. We must be ready for any scenario and think one step ahead. Our portfolio approach has clearly showed its value and we will continue on this path, including by looking at other technologies.” Today’s contract with Moderna builds upon the broad portfolio of vaccines that will ensure Europe has access to up to 4.4 billion doses, once all the vaccines have been proven to be safe and effective.