Commission signs joint procurement contract for COVID-19 vaccines to ensure preparedness and continued protection of citizens

The European Commission's Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) has signed on behalf of 17 participating countries, including 15 EU Member States, a joint procurement framework contract with the pharmaceutical company Moderna. The participating countries will be able to order up to 146 million doses of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, as needed depending on national context and with no minimum amount of doses to be bought. The contract will run for a period of up to four years.

This joint procurement ensures security of supply and enhances preparedness of participating countries against health crisis, as it was the case during the COVID-19 pandemic. While vaccines are already available, this contract further facilitates the access to a vaccine that offers easy transportation and storage conditions. This could be particularly relevant in times of emergency, as it can be stored at regular freezing temperatures with no need for ultra cold chain conditions, the vaccine can be delivered even faster and securely. In addition, participating countries will have prefilled syringes, which ease the administration of the vaccine and can ensure a more rapid vaccination campaign.

Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, said: “I welcome today’s announcement which shows our sustained efforts to enhance preparedness and secure supply of medical countermeasures to protect the most vulnerable against COVID-19. This particular vaccine, with an accessible supply of up to 146 million doses, offers significant advantages: it can be stored in standard freezers used for routine vaccines and can be delivered in pre-filled syringes. These features improve the efficiency of vaccination campaigns, which is particularly important when reaching those most in need. Strengthened health security remains an essential component of our Preparedness Union.”

37 countries have signed the Joint Procurement Agreement, a mechanism at the EU level with other participating countries to jointly procure medical countermeasures as an alternative or complement to the procurement at national level, on a voluntary and flexible basis. This mechanism contributes to EU-level preparedness for public health crises or pandemics.

More information about the Joint Procurement Agreement and the work of HERA can be found online.