EU Anticipates Equipment Shortages Linked to Covid-19 Mass Vaccinations

BRUSSELS, KOMPAS.com – The European Union is encouraging its member-states to consider a joint procurement in anticipation of equipment shortages once a Covid-19 vaccine is discovered.

The EU has assessed a possible risk of shortages of syringes, wipes, and protective gear needed for mass vaccinations against the deadly novel virus.

Aside from early preparations to mitigate equipment shortages, EU governments have also been asked to consider a joint purchase of additional influenza shots.

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The European Union is also asking its member-states to increase the number of people vaccinated to reduce the risk of simultaneous flu and Covid-19 outbreaks in the autumn.

No vaccine against Covid-19 has yet been fully developed or approved, but countries around the world are seeking to secure supplies of potential shots.

If and when vaccine candidates prove effective, immunization campaigns can start quickly.

Some countries hope that may be as early as this year.

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Should a shot prove effective, manufacturing and distribution issues could become hurdles.