The Latest: European Medicines Agency deciding on third dose

The Latest: European Medicines Agency deciding on third dose

SeattlePI.com

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AMSTERDAM — The European Medicines Agency says it is deciding whether a third dose of coronavirus vaccines will be needed, in light of U.S. regulators considering booster shots.

The EU drug regulator says it’s “engaging with vaccine developers” to coordinate submission of the necessary data and says it is aware numerous European countries are considering giving booster shots to their already immunized populations.

“At this stage, EMA has not yet determined if and when a booster dose for COVID-19 vaccines will be needed,” the agency said in an email. “Further data from companies marketing the vaccines are expected in the coming weeks and EMA will be reviewing the product information on that basis.”

The regulator says it was already working with other European health officials, including national immunization groups “in case booster doses may become necessary.” It said it was waiting to assess real-world effectiveness data from Europe and other regions. Countries, including Israel and France, have recently begun giving third doses to some people whose immunity may have faded.

The World Health Organization has urged rich countries to hold off administering third doses so unvaccinated populations can get immunized.

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MORE ON THE PANDEMIC:

— Sources: U.S. to recommend COVID-19 vaccine boosters at 8 months

— New Zealand to enter lockdown after single virus case found

— Among France’s poorest, once-lagging vaccine rates jump

— Mask disputes, outbreaks make for rocky start of U.S. school year

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— Find more AP coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic and...

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