Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid vaccine approved for use in EU on all adults including over-65s

Jab authorised for all aged 18-plus despite row over effectiveness in elderly

The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine has been approved for use in the EU for all adults over the age of 18.

Results from four clinical trials showed that the jab was “safe and effective” at preventing Covid-19, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) said in its recommendation.

The EMA said its scientific experts considered that the vaccine can be used for the elderly despite the recent row over its effectiveness in over-65s.

On Thursday, Germany’s vaccine committee said a lack of sufficient data meant the jab should only be given to people aged between 18 and 64, amid an ongoing dispute over the delivery of supplies agreed in a contract between the EU and the UK-based pharmaceutical company. The French president, Emmanuel Macron, described the Oxford jab as “quasi-ineffective" in those over 65.

The European Commission confirmed on Friday afternoon that it was imposing export controls on vaccines made in the bloc after AstraZeneca sharply reduced its initial deliveries of 80 million doses to 31 million doses by the end of March.

Under the EU’s measure, member states will be able to block the export of vaccines made in their countries – including supplies of the Pfizer/BioNTech jab produced in Belgium.

The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is the third to be approved for use in the EU, following similar decisions on those made by Pfizer and Moderna.

“With this third positive opinion, we have further expanded the arsenal of vaccines available to EU and EEA member states to combat the pandemic and protect their citizens,” said Emer Cooke, executive director of the EMA.

 “As in previous cases, the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use has rigorously evaluated this vaccine, and the scientific basis of our work underpins our firm commitment to safeguard the health of EU citizens.”

While “there are not yet enough results in older participants (over 55 years old) to provide a figure for how well the vaccine will work in this group”, the EMA added that “protection is expected, given that an immune response is seen in this age group, and based on experience with other vaccines”.

The EU has ordered 300 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, which is cheaper and easier to handle than some other vaccines, with options for a further 100 million doses. 

Professor Andrew Pollard, director of the Oxford Vaccine Group, which developed the vaccine together with AstraZeneca, welcomed the EU approval.

“The recommendation by the European Medicines Agency is an important milestone in extending access to the Oxford/ AstraZeneca vaccine in our region and providing further endorsement that, after the rigorous scrutiny of regulators, the vaccine can be used to help protect populations from the coronavirus pandemic,” he said in a statement.

The health secretary, Matt Hancock, wrote on Twitter: “Good news that the EMA have approved the use of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine for all adults, on an up-to-12-week dosing schedule. British science and global collaboration is saving lives.”