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 […]
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EU Covid EU digital certificate approved by European Parliament
Parliament and Council negotiators reached a provisional agreement for an EU Covid digital certificate to facilitate free movement during the pandemic. The certificate will be available in either digital or paper format. It will attest that a person has been vaccinated against coronavirus or has a recent negative test result or has recovered from the […]
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EU countries should ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health
The COVID-19 pandemic has a negative impact on women’s health and rights, so MEPs urge member states to protect and further enhance women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights. In the draft report approved by the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality by 27 votes in favour, 6 against and 1 abstention, MEPs point […]
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Commission calls for limiting essential travel from India
The Commission calls on EU Member States to take coordinated action to further restrict travel from India on a temporary basis, with a view to limiting the spread of the B.1.617.2 variant first detected in India. This follows a proposal of the World Health Organisation on 10 May 2021 to change the classification of that […]
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New rules on food transparency and sustainability
New rules on transparency and sustainability will transform the way the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) carries out its role as a risk assessor in the EU food safety system. A new regulation adopted by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU, which will apply from 27 March, will strengthen the Authority’s ability to […]
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Commission 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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EUROPEAN AGENDA: PUBLIC HEALTH
The EU is supporting local governments to achieve common objectives, pool resources and overcome shared challenges. In addition, measures are being taken to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. INSTITUTIONS MEETINGS DATE European Council 14-15.06.21 Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council We highlight below what the European institutions have been working on to date: [toc] […]
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Digital health – European health data space
The Commission has published an open public consultation on the European Health Data Space, which is an important component of the European Health Union. It aims to make the most of digital health to provide high quality healthcare and reduce inequalities. It will promote access to health data for prevention, diagnosis and treatment, research and […]
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AstraZeneca’s vaccine: benefits and risks
Vaxzevria (formerly COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca) is authorised in the EU to prevent COVID-19, which can cause severe disease and death. The disease can also have long-term consequences in people of all ages, including in otherwise healthy people. The benefits of Vaxzevria outweigh its risks in adults of all age groups; however, very rare cases of […]
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