EU may pay more for Pfizer COVID shots in return for lower volume

 Brussels is discussing with Pfizer and BioNTech the possibility of reducing the up to 500 million COVID-19 vaccine doses the EU has committed to buy this year in return for a higher price, a source with knowledge of the talks said.

Also on the table is an extension of the deadline for delivery, possibly to the second half of 2024, the source said. They declined to be identified because the talks are confidential.

The negotiations are ongoing, and it is not clear what the final outcome may be.

The talks come amid of global glut of COVID-19 shots, and relate to the biggest contract for vaccines of all those signed by the EU while the pandemic raged.

A European Commission spokesperson asked for comment on the talks called on vaccine makers to work with member states and the Commission "to ensure that the agreements reflect the changing situation".

The Commission "will continue in view of adapting the supply of vaccine doses over the years to come, and to extend it over a larger time period", the spokesperson said, declining to comment on pricing or other details.

A Pfizer spokesperson declined to comment on details of the discussions, but said the company has shown ongoing commitment to accommodating EU member state concerns.

With regards to price, the Pfizer spokesperson said: "We have always had a tiered pricing approach for the COVID-19 vaccine, guided by agreed volumes and national income tiers, to ensure equity between agreements with countries with similar economic profiles."

A BioNTech spokesperson added that their company "continue(s) to work with the European Commission and governments to find pragmatic solutions while respecting the fundamental principles agreed between the parties in concluding the agreement".

GLOBAL GLUT

Though the glut of vaccine is an issue worldwide, Europe is contending with a particularly big excess.

Most people in the EU who wanted a primary course of the COVID-19 vaccine, and those who were later eligible for boosters, have received them. The EU's drug regulator cautioned in November that uptake of booster doses had been disappointing.

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