BRUSSELS (BELGIUM) – The European Union is offering only limited protection to vaccine makers when it comes to the legal risks involved from side-effects of potential COVID-19 vaccine, European officials said.
The financial assurance for these liabilities is something drugmakers are in talks with governments, so as to secure vaccine shots in advance.
An EU official told EU governments “are ready to financially cover certain of the companies’ risks”. That said, the official added that its strict rules on liability are well in place.
According to the rules, vaccine makers and other manufacturers are considered liable for the products that are on sale in the EU, except from rare cases when they were not into circulation, for instance.
A European Commission spokesman refused to comment on whether liability issues are a stumbling block, with regard to their talks with vaccine makers.
When asked about the deal the Commission reached with AstraZeneca for all 27 EU states, including Belgium, the Belgian medicines agency said in a statement, “The contract foresees that liabilities and financial costs are shared among the parties.”
A Commission official said when asked about the deal, said, “Advance purchase agreements provide for member states to indemnify the manufacturer for certain liabilities incurred.”
The EU stance on liabilities partly explains why it is preventing Washington in securing potential COVID-19 vaccines.
The US system shifts the liability involved for vaccines fully to the government and safeguards drugmakers as widespread vaccination against disease is considered crucial for the society.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field.