During the first quarter of 2021, COVID-19 cases continued to increase steadily. The European continent started the year with a total of 27,552,498 people infected with COVID-19 and 585,110 deaths from COVID-19. As of 31 March, the number of reported cases in Europe grew by 63.74% to 45,115,099 positive cases. Unfortunately, deaths also rose by […]
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COVID-19 vaccination developments in Europe – 1st four-month period 2021
Vaccination against COVID-19 started on 27 December 2020 across the European Union, in a moment of unity. To date, 4 safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines have been licensed for use in the EU, following positive scientific recommendations from the European Medicines Agency: BioNTech-Pfizer: On 21 December 2020, the European Commission granted conditional marketing authorisation to […]
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Council updates recommendation on free movement restrictions
The Council has adopted a recommendation amending the recommendation on a coordinated approach to the restriction of free movement in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This update responds to the evolving epidemiological situation, the ongoing vaccination campaigns and the adoption of the EU digital COVID certificate. Free movement restrictions Member states should continue to strongly […]
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COVID-19: How a better understanding of airborne transmission is the key to break the chain of infection
Converging evidence shows that viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and influenza are mainly transmitted through the air. Merging the two non-contact transmission modes, large-droplet and aerosol, into a unique non-contact airborne transmission mode, is essential to break the chain of infection, according to a new JRC study. When you breathe, speak, laugh, cough, sneeze or sing you […]
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The Digital Certificate is now up to EU countries
MEPs see the EU Digital Covid Certificate as a tool to restore freedom and urge EU countries to implement it by 1 July. The certificate aims to enable easier and safer travel by proving someone has been vaccinated, had a negative Covid test or recovered from the disease. The infrastructure for it is in place […]
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First COVID-19 vaccine approved for children aged 12 to 15 in EU
EMA’s human medicines committee (CHMP) has recommended granting an extension of indication for the COVID-19 vaccine Comirnaty to include use in children aged 12 to 15. The vaccine is already approved for use in adults and adolescents aged 16 and above. Comirnaty is a vaccine for preventing COVID-19. It contains a molecule called messenger RNA (mRNA) with instructions for […]
Read MoreCommission proposes to ease restrictions on non-essential travel to the EU
The Commission is proposing that Member States ease the current restrictions on non-essential travel into the EU to take into account the progress of vaccination campaigns and developments in the epidemiological situation worldwide. The Commission proposes to allow entry to the EU for non-essential reasons not only for all persons coming from countries with a good […]
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Advances in leukemia treatment
EU-backed researchers have identified a protein encoded by the MSI2 gene that could lead to new therapies for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). A new discovery made by researchers from the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna could help in the treatment of AML. With support from the EU-funded ONCOMECHAML and ARCH projects, the research team […]
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EMA finds possible link to very rare cases of unusual blood clots with low blood platelets
EMA confirms overall benefit-risk remains positive EMA’s safety committee (PRAC) has concluded today that unusual blood clots with low blood platelets should be listed as very rare side effects of Vaxzevria (formerly COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca). In reaching its conclusion, the committee took into consideration all currently available evidence, including the advice from an ad hoc […]
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