'First virus vaccinations feasible by Christmas'
A top European Union official said Wednesday that the primary citizens in the 27 nation bloc could be vaccinated against the coronavirus by Christmas, but she warned that member countries must urgently prepare their logistical chains for the rollout of vast sums of dosages of the vaccines. Declaring that "there's finally light at the end of the tunnel," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told EU lawmakers that "the initial European citizens could possibly already be vaccinated prior to the end of December."
The commission, the EU's executive arm, has agreements with six potential vaccine suppliers and is focusing on a seventh contract. The discounts allow it to acquire over 800 million dosages, more than the population of the bloc, which stands at around 460 million persons. On Tuesday, Brussels stated it could sign a deal for 160 million dosages of the experimental coronavirus vaccine produced by Moderna, which the company says appears to be 94.5% effective, regarding its preliminary info. But von der Leyen stated that while vaccines are essential, "what matters are vaccinations. "
"Member states must get ready now. We're talking about millions of syringes, we're discussing cold chains, we're talking about arranging vaccination centers, we're discussing trained personnel that's there. You name it. All this has to be well prepared," she warned. Even now, Von der Leyen urged European residents to continue respecting restrictions, even while the measures harm businesses, further damage coronavirus-ravaged economies, and put persons through social and mental hardship.
"With practically 3,000 deaths a day time, COVID-19 was the main cause of death found in the EU the other day. Hospitals remain under pressure, and in some regions, some intensive health care devices are overwhelmed," she said."We should learn from the summertime and not repeat the same faults. Relaxing too much is a risk for the third wave after Holiday," von der Leyen explained, adding that "this Christmas changes, and yes, it'll be quieter."
