Germany expects limited EU approval for AstraZeneca vaccine

A dose of the Oxford University/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine is given to a patient. File picture

Germany’s health minister has said he expects the European Union’s drug regulator to authorise a further coronavirus vaccine made by AstraZeneca on Friday, but that currently available data may mean it is not recommended for older adults.

Jens Spahn said authorities are waiting to see what advice the European Medicines Agency (EMA) issues with regard to vaccinations for people over 65, and Germany would then adjust its own guidance for doctors in the country.

“We don’t expect an unrestricted approval,” Mr Spahn told reporters in Berlin.

Questions remain about how well the AstraZeneca vaccine protects older people.

Only 12% of the participants in the AstraZeneca research were over 55 and they were enrolled later, so there has not been enough time to get results.

On Thursday, a draft recommendation from Germany’s vaccination advisory committee said the AstraZeneca vaccine should only be given to people aged 18-64 for now.

A separate study testing the AstraZeneca vaccine in the US is still underway.

The shot would be the third Covid-19 vaccine given the greenlight by the EMA, after ones made by Pfizer and Moderna. Those were authorised for all adults.

Mr Spahn’s comments come amid a bitter dispute between AstraZeneca and the 27-nation bloc over delayed supplies.

Earlier this week, the 27-nation EU lashed out at AstraZeneca after the British-Swedish drugmaker said it would sharply reduce initial deliveries from 80 million doses to 31 million, blaming manufacturing problems.

The AstraZeneca vaccine has already been authorised in several countries, including Britain, India, Argentina and Mexico.

The World Health Organisation is also reviewing it; a recommendation from the UN health agency would allow its purchase and distribution to developing countries from a global programme known as COVAX.