Pfizer / BioNTech vaccine approved by WHO as breakthrough for developing countries

Pfizer / BioNTech vaccine approved by WHO as breakthrough for developing countries

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The vaccine was approved for emergency use in the country for the first time in the UK on December 8, followed shortly after by the US, Canada and the European Union. Everyone started with their own vaccinations.

But the green light from the World Health Organization (WHO) means countries without their own regulatory bodies, or the means to carefully assess the efficacy and safety of vaccines, can speed up their own approval processes and start implementing vaccination programs.

There are concerns about the unequal distribution of vaccines, as prosperous countries have bought or signed contracts to buy large quantities of the available doses or those awaiting approval.

The WHO said in a statement on Thursday that organizations such as UNICEF and the Pan-American Health Organization could now obtain the vaccine for distribution to countries in need.

“This is a very positive step in ensuring global access to Covid-19 vaccines. But I want to emphasize the need for an even greater global effort to provide enough vaccine supply to meet the needs of populations everywhere,” he said. dr. Mariângela Simão said. , WHO Assistant Director-General for Access to Medicines and Health Products.

“WHO and our partners are working day and night to evaluate other vaccines that have met the safety and efficacy standards. We encourage even more developers to come forward for review and evaluation. It is extremely important that we make the necessary supply ensure that all countries in the region serve the world and stop the pandemic. ”

The WHO team and independent experts reviewed the data on the safety, efficacy and quality of the Pfizer / BioNTech vaccine to conduct a risk-benefit analysis, the statement said.

The review found that the vaccine meets the safety and efficacy requirements set out by the WTO, and that the benefits of using the vaccine to address Covid-19 offset the potential risks.

A group of WHO vaccine experts will meet on 5 January to set out policies and recommendations for the use of the vaccine in populations. It will also help them set up cold supply chains, as the vaccine must be stored at 60-90 degrees Celsius.

Although the Pfizer / BioNTech vaccine is the first to obtain WHO approval, it is hoped that cheaper and easier distribution options will be available soon.

One such option is the Oxford / AstraZeneca vaccine, which was approved by British regulators on Wednesday. The country will begin firing the shots from January 4th.

AstraZeneca has promised to deliver hundreds of millions of doses to low- and middle-income countries and to deliver the vaccine to these countries on a non-profit basis.

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