The European Commission has signed a framework contract with pharmaceutical company Moderna for the purchase of its mRNA Covid-19 vaccine.
The agreement allows Belgium and 16 other participating countries to buy up to 146 million doses, the Commission announced on Friday.
Hera, the Commission’s Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority, signed the joint procurement contract with the American pharmaceutical company on behalf of 15 EU Member States, including Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, as well as Norway and North Macedonia.
The four-year contract with Moderna gives participating countries the option to purchase up to 146 million doses based on their national health needs, with no minimum purchase requirement.
According to the Commission, the agreement will better prepare participating countries for health crises and enhance the effectiveness of vaccination campaigns, particularly for the most vulnerable populations.
"This vaccine has significant advantages: it can be stored in regular freezers used for routine vaccines and delivered in pre-filled syringes," explained Belgium's European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, who is responsible for health emergency preparedness and response.
Lahbib joined President von der Leyen's new cabinet as Commissioner for equality, preparedness and crisis management, which includes health-related emergencies.
