Pfizer's vaccine has been approved by the European Commission, and Norway may use it when the first doses of the vaccine are available on Norwegian soil this Christmas. - Fantastic, says Minister of Health Bent Høie.
It was the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, who presented this information at a press conference on Monday evening
- Now we are writing a new chapter in the pandemic. This is a true European success story, she continued before adding that she was proud of the pharmaceutical company BioNTech. Bent Høie also applauds the endorsement.
According to Høie, this means that the vaccines will arrive in Norway on Christmas two, and vaccination is likely to start on December 27.
This means we can begin to protect some of the most vulnerable people in our society.
Prime Minister Erna Solberg is also an optimist:
- The vaccine is closer than ever. On the same day as the sun goes down and we approach brighter days, the EU approves the first coronavirus vaccine, says Solberg in a press release.
Previously, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) issued a conditional approval for the COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer and Biontech. Conditional approval is given before long-term data on side effects are available. While the EMA has recommended approval of the vaccine, the European Commission is already formally approving it.
Cooperation with Sweden and the EU is crucial
- The vaccine development is proceeding at a record pace. Are you sure that the correct assessment has been made?
- I'm convinced that European Medicines Agency together with the Pharmaceutical Authorities of Norway and other countries did a good job in making this decision, even though they did so in a short period of time.
- Did you think we would have the vaccine 9 months after the pandemic hit?
- I really counted on it. Norway has been a driving force in supporting the development of the vaccine. I am very glad that we are here and it took a tremendous effort from all over the world to make it happen.
Høie points out that cooperation with Sweden and the EU was crucial for Norway to introduce vaccine doses soon.
- I am afraid that without our membership in the EEA and cooperation with the EU we would be in a difficult situation. Vaccine Coordinator Richard Bergstrøm in Sweden was our direct link.
We'll start with nursing homes
Høie explains that there are different contracts for different types of vaccines. According to Høie, initially Norway will receive 50 doses pfizer. Then 40 doses of pfizer per week, after which the limit will increase in February. Subsequently, Norway will also have access to other types of vaccines, such as the Modena vaccine, once it is approved.
I recommend taking the vaccine
- Is the vaccine safe?
- The vaccine is working well enough and the overall risk of getting side effects means it can be used. However, it can cause short-term side effects, and with continued use, rare or long-term side effects will be accurately detected. This uncertainty will always exist in the phase we are in now. Hoie.
