The Moderna vaccine has been officially approved for use in the EU

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has approved the the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine for use in the European Union, with Ireland expected to receive 880,000 doses initially.

In a statement issued just after 12 noon today, the EMA said that it has ‘ recommended granting a conditional marketing authorisation for COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in people from 18 years of age. This is the second COVID-19 vaccine that EMA has recommended for authorisation.’

Emer Cooke, Executive Director of the EMA said: “This vaccine provides us with another tool to overcome the current emergency. It is a testament to the efforts and commitment of all involved that we have this second positive vaccine recommendation just short of a year since the pandemic was declared by WHO.

📢 EMA has recommended granting a conditional marketing authorisation for COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna to prevent #COVID19 in people from 18 years of age: https://t.co/l9KMZlx7wa pic.twitter.com/BdvXanjOHN

— EU Medicines Agency (@EMA_News) January 6, 2021

“As for all medicines, we will closely monitor data on the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine to ensure ongoing protection of the EU public. Our work will always be guided by the scientific evidence and our commitment to safeguard the health of EU citizens.”

The Moderna vaccine trial involved 30,000 people and showed a 94.1% reduction in the number of symptomatic Covid-19 cases

Ireland has ordered 880,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine, which only requires storage at minus 20 degrees, unlike the Pfizer vaccine which requires minus 70 degrees. The Moderna vaccine will require recipients to take two doses, given as injections in the arm, 28 days apart.

You can read more about the EMA’s approval of the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine here.

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