We are not going to compromise when it comes to citizens’ safety, said European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stella Kyriakides, while noting that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) is not going to approve a COVID-19 vaccine without a thorough, scientific evaluation first.
Results from these evaluations are expected soon, she said, noting that it is important to have the vaccines immediately available, once they get approval.
Kyriakides was speaking during an online discussion on the “European Strategy for Vaccines” organised last Wednesday by Frederick University.
“Through our strategy we supported the efforts of many manufacturers to accelerate the development and availability of the vaccine within a period of 12-18 months” the European Commissioner said, adding that they are working tirelessly “in order to secure that there are enough doses for Europe.”
As soon as a vaccine secures approval, it will be immediately available to citizens, she went on. “It is not vaccines, but vaccinations that save lives. Therefore, it is important that we are able to make vaccines immediately available, once they are approved,” the Commissioner added.
Replying to questions, Kyriakides referred in particular to actions aiming to secure the effectiveness and safety of the vaccine, and assured the audience that the EMA will not grant an approval without a thorough, scientific evaluation first.
“Approval procedures are strict and although we are moving fast, we are not going to compromise on issues regarding citizens’ safety,” Kyriakides underlined.
(CNA)
