Brussels – The European Medicines Agency announced its recommendation to member states that a third COVID-19 booster dose could be considered at least 6 months after the second dose for people aged 18 years and older.

Brandon Locke, Policy and Advocacy Manager at the ONE Campaign, reacted: “The latest guidance from EMA on booster shots for all adults after 6 months risks extending the pandemic for people everywhere. Healthy, young Europeans could be eligible for a 3rd shot of protection before a healthcare worker in certain African countries can get a single dose. It is striking that Europe moves closer to third shots for its citizens on the same day that the EU blocks a TRIPS waiver that would increase the supply for others.

While it’s right for member states to decide to protect the most vulnerable, the only way out of this pandemic is to get as fast as possible vaccines to the unvaccinated everywhere – and not getting additional doses for people who are already protected”