UK health policy under critique for expediting vaccine authorisation in comparison to the European Parliament's approach
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recommended the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (Comirnaty) for people over 80 years old as part of ongoing vaccination and booster programs. This move aims to protect the high-risk group, particularly during periods of high COVID-19 circulation.
Boosters with updated vaccines are advised for better protection in elderly populations. Specific recommendations include vaccination and adapted booster doses for those over 60, especially those with chronic conditions, and for those 75 and above. The EMA emphasises the importance of vaccination continuation for the elderly.
However, Peter Liese, the EPP group's health policy spokesman, has raised concerns about the vaccination of the "very elderly." He noted that only 40 percent of study participants over 65 were included relatively late, and he questioned the number of people over 80 who were in the studies.
Liese also expressed uncertainty about the number of people over 80 who will be vaccinated a month earlier due to the UK's emergency approval. He suggested that it would be safer if experts from the entire EU were consulted beforehand.
Liese criticised the UK's emergency approval of the Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine, stating that it was problematic. He also questioned the approval of the vaccine for 16-year-olds in the UK, citing a lack of data for people under 18.
Despite these concerns, Liese acknowledged that the vaccine will not be enough for everyone at the beginning. He also clarified that the emergency approval is not intended for vaccinating the healthy.
Liese's comments come as the EMA's experts continue to provide important insights into the safety and efficacy of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. The EMA's recommendations are expected to guide vaccination strategies across Europe, with a focus on protecting the most vulnerable populations.
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