This would be a major boost to Ireland's vaccine rollout.
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) may approve the AstraZeneca Covid vaccine by the end of month, it has emerged.
Once this particular vaccine is approved, Ireland should receive an additional 3 million vaccines "on top of what is coming already".
The EMA released a statement on Friday morning, which read: "After having received more data from the company, EMA is expecting Astra Zeneca to submit a conditional marketing application for its Covid-19 vaccine next week. Possible conclusion - end of January, depending on data and evaluation progress."
Speaking about this positive news, chair of the National immunisation Advisory Committee, Professor Karina Butler told RTÉ's News At One that this would be "very good news".
The “more forgiving” aspect of the AstraZeneca vaccine would make it ideal for community roll out of the vaccine through pharmacists and GPs, according to Butler.
This vaccine is of particular interest to Ireland due to the amount that we have ordered, as well as the fact that it does not have to be stored at cold temperatures, compared to the Pfizer vaccine.
While it could be approved by the end of the month, it is unclear when Ireland may actually receive its first batch of the vaccine, or when it will be first be distributed.
