EU says first virus vaccinations possible by Christmas

Amid the growing cases of Coronavirus, this statement from a top European Union official promises to give some solace to the public at large. According to Associate Press, a top European Union official on Wednesday said that the first citizens in the 27 nation bloc could be vaccinated against the coronavirus by Christmas. She further added that member countries must urgently prepare their logistical chains for the rollout of hundreds of millions of doses of the vaccines. Also Read - Punjab Imposes Night Curfew From December 1, Doubles Fine For Flouting COVID-19 Norms

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told EU lawmakers that “the first European citizens might already be vaccinated before the end of December.”  The commission, the EU’s executive arm, has agreements with six potential vaccine suppliers and is working on a seventh contract. The deals allow it to purchase over 800 million doses, more than the population of the bloc, which stands at around 460 million people. Also Read - COVID-19 Vaccine Maybe Here by April 2020 But Some Things Are Never Going be 'Normal' Again

But von der Leyen said that while vaccines are important, “what counts are vaccinations.”

“Member states must get ready now. We’re talking about millions of syringes, we’re talking about cold chains, we’re talking about organizing vaccination centers, we’re talking about trained personnel that is there. You name it. All this has to be prepared,” she warned reports Associate Press.