Lithuania - one of the countries urging for new contracts for Covid-19 vaccine manufacturers

There have been numerous requests for the European Commission to reexamine contracts signed with Covid-19 vaccine manufacturers so that they might be made more adaptable.

Vaccine contracts for EU member states were signed by the European Commission. Every member state must purchase the volume of immunizations that was originally requested, notwithstanding the fact that vaccination initiatives have decreased the requirement. To avoid financial penalties, these contracts do not allow for the refusal of immunizations. If a member state refuses, they are responsible for the full cost of all vaccines requested. A contract can even change when spreading immunization doses.

EU countries have a surplus of vaccines that will soon expire, according to the letter. Member countries have expressed concern about the financial impact.

Governments should not be forced to purchase vaccines only to discard them later due to a lack of a long-term solution.

Several EU member states urge the EC to talk to vaccine makers about and accomplish the following things: extend the vaccine supply term; ensuring supplies are delivered in accordance with the true circumstances; Increase or decrease the number of vaccinations produced in accordance with the rate at which the pandemic spreads, and ensure that the vaccines delivered are effective against any new viral strains that emerge.

The letter warns the EU to be on the lookout for the virus as it spreads throughout the EU. In order to develop European-level immunization stockpiles for emergencies, member states have requested a framework.

Stella Kyriakides received a letter of support from the following countries: Bulgaria, Croatia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Hungary.