Two big deals in a short time.

On Wednesday, the European Commission presented a new contract with the manufacturer Moderna, which guarantees the EU countries an additional 150 million vaccine doses in 2021. In addition, they will have an option to buy the same number of doses in 2022.

Just over a week ago, it became clear that the EU was also buying another 300 million doses of Pfizer / Biontech vaccine.

- This means an incredible amount, says vaccine coordinator Richard Bergström.

New strategy for mutations

In addition to the vaccine contract, the European Commission on Wednesday presented several measures to improve preparedness and management of new virus mutations.

Among other things, EUR 75 million is set aside to develop tests designed to detect new virus variants and to support sequencing in EU member states.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) will speed up the authorization process for vaccines adapted to new mutations by following the model currently used for the approval of seasonal flu.

In addition, the EU's bio-defense program "HERA Incubator" will receive 150 million in research support, which will include the establishment of a new EU-wide network for vaccine testing under the name "Vaccelerate".

Richard Bergström says that one should see both the Pfizer agreement and the Moderna agreement in the light of the EU's other initiatives.

- It's very much about the future.

You see this as a package, that you have a clear strategy, he says.

Located far ahead

Europe is now at the forefront when it comes to vaccine preparedness, says Richard Bergström.

- The EU has received some criticism for being slow.

But now you can not blame the European Commission for being slow, but the EU is very far ahead in terms of the ability to produce these enormous capacities.

Do you feel secure with the vaccine supply in the coming years?

- Absolutely.

It is not much consolation for the municipalities and regions that are waiting for vaccines right now, but my job is also to think long-term.

It is quite clear that we will need to vaccinate again, either because the immunity is fading or due to mutations.

There I feel very happy about the new agreements.