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BERLIN, Nov 9 (Reuters) - Germany does not expect a
coronavirus vaccine to be available before the first quarter of
2021, according to a copy of its national vaccine strategy seen
by Reuters on Monday.
The 15-page strategy paper from the health ministry sets out
seven potential vaccines which are expected to complete testing
this year or next and could be available in sufficient amounts
to begin a nationwide vaccination campaign for priority groups.
These include shots from AstraZeneca, BioNTech
and its partner Pfizer, Moderna
and Novovax, Johnson & Johnson,
GlaxoSmithKline and CureVac.
"Assuming that a favourable risk-benefit ratio can be
confirmed, first approvals are expected in Q1/2021 at the
earliest," the paper says.
Germany plans to set up centralised vaccination centres to
inoculate priority groups in the first instance, which will be
supported by mobile teams, Reuters reported last week.
The German government will cover the cost of the vaccines,
while the cost of setting up the vaccination centres will be
borne by the states and public and private health insurers where
appropriate.
The paper says it expects manufacturers will deliver the
shots to distribution centres in multi-dose vials without the
syringes and cannulas as well as the required solvent that is
needed for vaccination. It has therefore asked the states to
procure these accessories.
To get an overview on the effectiveness of the vaccines,
Germany will collect non-personal data including information on
age, sex, place of residence, vaccination date, vaccine product
and vaccination dose administered, the paper says.
(Reporting by Andreas Rinke and Caroline Copley; Editing by
Maria Sheahan)
