The EU-European Union has announced that it will permit exports of new coronavirus vaccines outside the region.
Although it is said to be a time-limited measure, there are concerns that it will lead to export restrictions.
Regarding the supply of vaccines to the EU, British pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca announced last week that the initial supply will be less than half of the planned amount, and the EU side has strongly opposed and demanded the planned supply.
In response to this situation, the EU announced on the 29th that it will introduce measures that require prior declaration and permission when exporting vaccines produced at factories in the region, in order to increase export transparency.
This measure is time-limited from the 30th to March, with the exception of the supply to an international framework called the "COVAX Facility," which aims for fair distribution of vaccines.
EU Executive Vice-Chairman Dombrovskis said at a news conference, "You can't waste your time just because the vaccine doesn't arrive on time. Citizen protection and safety are priorities." I asked for it, but there are concerns that it will lead to export restrictions.
WHO "Very alarming trends"
WHO, Assistant Secretary-General of the World Health Organization, said at a regular press conference on the 29th that the EU = European Union announced that it would permit exports of the new coronavirus vaccine outside the region. However, it is not beneficial for any country at this stage to ban or create barriers to the export of raw materials needed to produce vaccines, "he said.
Concerns about supply in some parts of France
In France, about a month has passed since the start of vaccination against the new coronavirus, and more than 1.3 million doses have been given.
However, there are growing concerns about supply, such as a shortage of vaccines in some areas and temporary suspension of vaccination.
In France, vaccination with the new coronavirus started on the 27th of last month, and in about one month, more than 1.3 million doses were given to elderly people aged 75 and over.
In addition to the establishment of a mass vaccination center using public facilities, in the northeastern region, for elderly people living in depopulated municipalities, we are promoting vaccination by patrolling a dedicated bus.
Doctors and nurses were on the bus, and a refrigerator was installed to store the vaccine, and people who made reservations in advance were vaccinated after confirming their health condition.
A 76-year-old man who received the vaccination said, "I vaccinated because I wanted to feel at ease. Some people have difficulty moving, so I think the bus is a good idea."
On the other hand, there is a shortage of vaccines in some areas, and in order to secure the second dose, vaccination is temporarily stopped, and in the northeastern city of Reims, the center in the center from 27th this month. Is closed.
The mayor of the city of Reims said, "I had to close the center because the planned vaccine did not arrive. I am worried about the current situation because the only way to end the crisis is to get the vaccine." Concerns are growing.