AstraZeneca was expected to deliver over 80 million doses to European countries by the end of March. However, the country is having problems with production and warns Eu countries that it might not be able to deliver more than 80 million doses. The reason AstraZeneca is supplying vaccines is because Pfizer’s has slowed down their supply to the EU this week and will continue to produce at a slower rate due to the bloc this week. EU countries are demanding vaccine producing companies to ramp up their production.
AstraZeneca is supposed to deliver 80 million doses to 27 EU countries by the end of march. The delivery will begin from February 15th onwards.
The Britain based drug maker stated that they will deliver 80 million doses but are unsure if they can produce the next batch as quick as they did with the first dose. The slow down with production was due to production problems at the factor in Belgium. The factory is also having market approval problems with the stability of deliveries and the acceleration of the doses.
The Oxford- AstraZeneca vaccine is considered key to the global vaccination effort as its production is cheaper and can be stored at fridge temperature and so far the deliveries have been fast and efficient for all countries whom the drug maker has supplied.
The EU had made a deal to purchase at least 300 million doses from AstraZeneca with an option of an additonal 100 million which is part of the company’s global commitment. The drug maker’s global commitment is to supply a minimum of at least 3 billion doses per province.
