and another vaccine, developed by us manufacturerjohnson &johnson, is the latest to prove effective in phase three trials. in other news — primary schools in wales could re—open to all pupils after half term, though the nationwide lockdown will continue. thousands of volunteers helping the nhs with the vaccine roll—out will be prioritised for a jab. hello to you, welcome to bbc news. the european union has introduced export controls on coronavirus vaccines. individual member states will decide whether to allow exports of vaccines produced in their territory. a european commissioner said it was being introduced to enhance transparency and to ensure that all eu citizens had access to vaccines. a european commissioner, valdis dombrovskis, made the announcement a little earlier this afternoon. the protection and safety of our citizens is a priority. and the challenges we now face left us with no other choice but to act. vaccines are key to the recovery, and to bringing the pandemic under control. and delivering these vaccines to our citizens is the most critical task right now. this is a race against the clock. we can't lose time because a vaccine's not being delivered on agreed schedule. reacting to the news, professor steve peers — an expert in eu and trade law at the university of essex — said it was unclear at the moment whether today's move will lead to concrete action and blocks on vaccine leaving the eu for the uk or elsewhere. politically, i think it's difficult for the eu to be in the position it's in. it didn't expect to perhaps have the supply shortages, and from the eu's point of view they have a contract, they gave some money to astrazeneca, so where are the vaccines? now, from the uk's point of view, they want the vaccines, too. so there's a conflict between the company's two contracts and its two main contractors. that can't easily be resolved with the amount of supply that they have now, as compared to the amount of supply from other companies. and so something has to give, unless the eu can be expected tojust shrug its shoulders, and i guess politically, it'sjust not going to do that. both parties to the contract have arguments. ultimately, it would go to court if they cannot settle them by discussions. but the court process would probably take a few months to resolve itself, and so the eu has turned to the regulatory process instead to try and make sure that there is at least some pressure put on the company. i guess we'll have to wait and see if that actually leads to the concrete action of exports actually being restricted or not. our brussels correspondent, gavin lee, explained the effect of the eu's export controls. any big company, the likes of pfizer, which we know has a plant here in belgium that provides transport supplies to the uk for the roll—out, and any big supplier needs to go to their government, apply with the customs form to say we want to export outside of the eu, and the government has roughly 2a hours to say, "first of all, do you meet your commitment to our contract of the roll—out here? if yes, fine." if not, they have the right to block it. this is a big change because a few days ago, you and i were talking on monday when the eu was saying this was a transparency mechanism simply for notification, not about approval. since then, they've been a big heavy weight on this, the health secretary saying we want an approval system. that's what it's become today, and we had a fellow here, the previous health commissioner, saying it's not about targeting the —— targeting the uk. she says it is an insurance policy for 400 million taxpayers who want the vaccine. so what is the solution to all this? if astrazeneca are saying they're having problems producing the amount of vaccines that the european union says it is legally contracted to get, what's the way out of this? i think ultimately, what we're seeing is the death of trust between multinational pharmaceutical companies and the european union over the pressure and the dark reality, which you've seen yourself, of people dying waiting for the vaccine in countries like spain, where the vaccine is now postponed two weeks. and that trust has seen inspectors going to the premises here in belgium, of astrazeneca, because the eu commission didn't believe the reason given that they were having low production at the belgian plant. the suspicion was they were basically shorting the eu and selling some of that product to the uk. that's what's going on underneath this. i think the solution is that the trust has to build between the manufacturers in the eu. and also between countries — and that doesn't look good at the moment where i'm standing. the eu didn't want to get involved a couple days ago with criticising the uk. today, it's slightly different. we've heard from the eu commissioner forjustice saying that the eu has tried to keep to itself and unify the uk, it appears to be creating a vaccine war by not helping supply more of the doses. it appears quite hostile in some senses, but i think trust is the big key. meanwhile, the eu have also approved the use of the oxford astrazeneca jab — and contrary to reports last night, it is recommended for over—65s. let's take a look at the key paragraph from the release from the european medicines agency. it says, when speaking about the trials... the agency has been accused of being slow to assess the vaccine — but emer cooke, the ema's executive director, defended the length of time it took to approve the jab. we've heard many voices questioning the time that has been taken for the evaluation of this vaccine. as many of you know, in early october, this was the first vaccine we started to evaluate through the rolling review process — a practice whereby which data is reviewed on an iterative basis. but evaluation of vaccines is not a first in, first out process. the review timelines vary between vaccines as they are dependent on the data becoming available during the ongoing development and the results of ongoing trials. this was a complex data package, including pooled results from four clinical trials. and this made assessment challenging — and you'll hear more about some of the challenges today. but our experts have scrutinised the data, raised questions and, in fact, were receiving large data packages right up to the start of this week. discussions on the best wording to reflect the data outcomes were finalised in the last sessions of the committee meeting, which finished less than one hour ago. in the end, the committee reached an independent, scientific opinion, a solid scientific conclusion by consensus. now let me stress that our work does not stop here. the safety and effectiveness of this vaccine will continue to be very closely monitored as it is rolled out across the member states and globally. we are monitoring very closely the variants of the coronavirus which are emerging across the world, and whether and how they affect the protection offered by this and the other vaccines. we do not yet have data on whether the astrazeneca vaccine offers protection against the new variance, but we have requested the company to investigate this, as we have done with the other vaccines. we know they have now given clearance for the use of the astrazeneca vaccine across the eu member states, and they are fine, it seems, with the suggestion that there has not been enough data on there has not been enough data on the use of the astrazeneca vaccine in the over 60 fives. but the german medicines authority there have said that their advice, they've just reiterated this, is against the astrazeneca vaccine being given to the over 65. the irish ministry as saying irish regulators will decide in the next few days if the astrazeneca vaccine should be given to the over 60 fives. just to reiterate, this is not an issue over the safety of the astrazeneca vaccine, it's about the efficacy, how good it will be in battling covid—i9 in the over 65 population. but germany says there is still not enough data on the use of this vaccine in those older members of the public. as a result, they advise that the vaccine shouldn't be given to people over the age of 65. any more on that, we will bring it to you. doctor peter snuffles is chief scientific officer ofjohnson & johnson, which ownsjensen secular we are very pleased with the findings. what became very clear as we have a single vaccine— we have a single vaccine which can rotect we have a single vaccine which can protect 8596 _ we have a single vaccine which can protect 8596 against _ we have a single vaccine which can protect 8596 against severe - we have a single vaccine which can| protect 8596 against severe disease protect 85% against severe disease and complete protection after day 28. that was a finding which was across the world, and all the regions, independent of age and strain. so that's why it is a very strong finding for the pandemic. i must say i'm very happy that many vaccines made it, because probably 4-6,000,000,000 vaccines made it, because probably 4—6,000,000,000 people need the vaccine, if not everyone in the world. that's where every vaccine will be needed. we will need to learn the duration of protection, very importantly we need to learn about variance and whether we need new boosters or combinations of vaccines to protect people short and long—term. so science will play a very important role to control this pandemic. i'm now very sure science will prevail and come at a certain point, we will be able to put this pandemic behind us. it is not over. we have to continue to make sure we do prevention as well as parallel vaccinating, and make sure we first take out the most severe cases, with the highly vulnerable people that don't end up in hospital or die any more from this disease. another different coronavirus vaccine has been shown to be more than 89% effective in trials, and is the first that has been proven to be effective against the new variant identified as circulating widely in the uk. the novavax jab was developed by an american company, and it still has to be approved by medicines regulators — but the government has already ordered 60 million doses. much of the manufacturing is being done in stockton on tees. 0ur health correspondent anna collinson reports. at a time when many needed a boost, it's hoped that another powerful weapon against the coronavirus is within reach. new data suggest the novavax vaccine offers strong protection, with the results described as "spectacular". more than 15,000 volunteers took part in the large uk trial. crucially, over half of the covid—i9 cases recorded came from the variant found in the uk. with an overall efficacy of 89%, it could be the firstjab which shows it works against the original and new strains. i guess the bad news is that there was lots of virus circulating in the uk during our trial. but that's good news if you're trying to develop a vaccine, because you've got lots of the infection around and you can show that you're vaccine actually works. 0ne concern is that the novavax jab doesn't appear to offer as much protection against the south african variant, but the company says the efficacy was above people's expectations. the next big step is for the uk's regulator to give novavax the greenlight, which could take weeks. so far, three vaccines have been approved, with astrazeneca and pfizer already being rolled out, and 17 million moderna doses expected in the spring. novavax could provide a further boost to the uk, with 60 million doses ordered. like astrazeneca, the novavax jab can be stored in a regularfridge, which means, if and when it's approved, it will be easier to get it out to patients. this is a completely different sort of vaccine. it's actually a more conventional vaccine. it's a purified protein which is then formulated to induce a very good immune response, and i'm really delighted that we've got yet a third basic approach to vaccination which seems to give such high protection. this is remarkable. i think unprecedented. one of those who took part in the trial was the minister responsible for the vaccine roll—out. in a tweet, nadhim zahawi praised the encouraging results and confirmed some manufacturing will take place here. novavax is a us vaccine, but some of it is due to be made in stockton—on—tees. though a warning — it won't happen overnight. itjust takes time, and we are growing up mammalian cells from low volumes up to the high 1,000—litre volumes, and it is very complicated. so growing these cells is not predictable or linear, but i'm confident they'll get there. but the vaccine will not be rolling out tomorrow. while tempering expectations, the former head of the uk's vaccine task force is still delighted. when i heard the news last night, i'm afraid i broke the dry january rule and celebrated with a glass of wine. for many, the light at the end of the tunnel has got that much brighter. anna collinson, bbc news. the headlines on bbc news... that european union introduces export controls on the vaccines. each member state will decide whether to allow exports produced in their own country. the eu regulator has now given full approvalfor the the eu regulator has now given full approval for the oxford astrazeneca covid—i9 vaccine to be given to all over eight teams across the block. in the uk, another kronos fireworks vaccine which will be largely manufactured in teesside has shown to be 89 percent effective in trials. an online press briefing is taking place right now, hosted by astrazeneca and the university of oxford. let's take a listen in. so there's a lot of developments and a lot of vaccines coming into use over the next few weeks, and it's really positive news for the entire world. it's been recommended that two doses of the oxford astrazeneca vaccine in people aged 18 and over. the regiment has shown in clinical trials to be effective in preventing symptomatic covid—19. the vaccine provides 100 protection against severe disease and hospitalisation. 0n today's recommendation, which underscores the potential value of the covid—19 vaccination. as i said before, we've been working extremely hard for many months now to bring the vaccine to people around the world during the pandemic. this decision is a major milestone which allows us to bring the vaccine to people. it will hopefully soon start to have an impact on the numbers, and many europeans will soon begin to get the vaccine. there is already 20 other nations, including in other countries like morocco and the uk who are also given the regulatory go—ahead. we also have approval in a number of south asian markets. it seems easy to forget, but about nine months ago, astrazeneca started developing the vaccine. and today, we have a vaccine that has been proven to be certainly effective. and it's really easy to forget that we've done all this work in nine months. we've developed a new manufacturing process, we've done clinical trials, we've got approval. and for instance, the manufacturing process is something that has been developed over years, it takes several years to develop and improve improve, studying the process, studying it and probing it again. and this, we've done in a few months. it's an important piece to remember because when you do that, of course there were big issues and we may have delays here and there. but the important fact here is that within a year, the world has developed vaccines. and it's really unprecedented. so we're going to be told about the vaccine what this approval in europe means, then we will open up for questions of. thank ou ve will open up for questions of. thank you very much. _ will open up for questions of. thank you very much. mr— will open up for questions of. thank you very much, mr pascal. - will open up for questions of. thank you very much, mr pascal. as - will open up for questions of. thank you very much, mr pascal. as you l you very much, mr pascal. as you said, _ you very much, mr pascal. as you said. it _ you very much, mr pascal. as you said. it is — you very much, mr pascal. as you said. it isan— you very much, mr pascal. as you said, it is an absolutely landmark day today, — said, it is an absolutely landmark day today, a perfect day on which we have approval for the vaccine here in europe, — have approval for the vaccine here in europe, which now opens up the availability— in europe, which now opens up the availability of the vaccine to many people _ availability of the vaccine to many people including those across the 27 member_ people including those across the 27 member states of europe. this is another_ member states of europe. this is another of— member states of europe. this is another of those really critical steps — another of those really critical steps for _ another of those really critical steps for the development of the vaccine _ steps for the development of the vaccine around the world, adding to the 18_ vaccine around the world, adding to the 18 countries who have already approved — the 18 countries who have already approved the use of the vaccine. also— approved the use of the vaccine. also significantly, the approval is absolutely in—line with the approval that we've — absolutely in—line with the approval that we've seen from other regulators. and i think that gives us great — regulators. and i think that gives us great confidence in the vaccine and the _ us great confidence in the vaccine and the potential use of it now across — and the potential use of it now across the _ and the potential use of it now across the continent. so great news. of across the continent. so great news. of course _ across the continent. so great news. of course with that, we also have of course with that, we also have new data — of course with that, we also have new data over the last 24 hours about _ new data over the last 24 hours about two — new data over the last 24 hours about two other vaccines that have shown _ about two other vaccines that have shown efficacy and conical trials. we can— shown efficacy and conical trials. we can he — shown efficacy and conical trials. we can be really encouraged that we've _ we can be really encouraged that we've reached this point in the pandemic, _ we've reached this point in the pandemic, and actually quite a dark moment— pandemic, and actually quite a dark moment where so many people across europe _ moment where so many people across europe are _ moment where so many people across europe are suffering from covid—19 and hospitals are bulging with patients— and hospitals are bulging with patients and being managed by the wonderful health care staff that we have _ wonderful health care staff that we have but — wonderful health care staff that we have. but at this moment, we now have _ have. but at this moment, we now have multiple tools becoming available to try to get ahead of this pandemic virus. an incredibly important — this pandemic virus. an incredibly important moment. as pascal said, there's— important moment. as pascal said, there's almost a year's work already gone _ there's almost a year's work already gone into— there's almost a year's work already gone into getting to this point, and it feels— gone into getting to this point, and it feels like it's been a long time to get— it feels like it's been a long time to get here, but actually it's the shortest— to get here, but actually it's the shortest period of development that we've _ shortest period of development that we've ever_ shortest period of development that we've ever seen in producing new vaccines — we've ever seen in producing new vaccines. and i think that is really a testament to the science that now begins _ a testament to the science that now begins the _ a testament to the science that now begins the process. and of course, of governments and manufacturers to be able _ of governments and manufacturers to be able to _ of governments and manufacturers to be able to provide doses available. so it's— be able to provide doses available. so it's a _ be able to provide doses available. so it's a fantastic moment, particularly for us here at the university of oxford where our vision — university of oxford where our vision was _ university of oxford where our vision was to be able to develop a vaccine _ vision was to be able to develop a vaccine that could be provided with equitable _ vaccine that could be provided with equitable access around the world, and i'm _ equitable access around the world, and i'm particularly delighted to partner— and i'm particularly delighted to partner with astrazeneca who share that vision — partner with astrazeneca who share that vision. thank you very much. we now that vision. thank you very much. now head over that vision. thank you very much. we now head over to questions, starting with reuters — now head over to questions, starting with reuters. go— now head over to questions, starting with reuters. go ahead, _ now head over to questions, starting with reuters. go ahead, alister. - now head over to questions, starting with reuters. go ahead, alister. hi i with reuters. go ahead, alister. hi there, with reuters. go ahead, alister. there, thanks a lot for the question. i wasjust there, thanks a lot for the question. i was just wondering after the details of the contract with the european union were published earlier today, what is your interpretation of best reasonable efforts was in the context of that contract, and also the factories in the uk where the vaccine from the uk should be going to the european union and the way that vaccine from the eu went to the uk before the end of last year. thank you.— of last year. thank you. thank you, alister, of last year. thank you. thank you, alister. sorry _ of last year. thank you. thank you, alister, sorry to _ of last year. thank you. thank you, alister, sorry to disappoint - of last year. thank you. thank you, alister, sorry to disappoint you - alister, sorry to disappoint you because today, we really would like to focus on the vaccine and what it means to people in europe and around the world. and we would really like to leave on the issues of legality for another day.— to leave on the issues of legality for another day. let's move on now to susie ring _ for another day. let's move on now to susie ring at _ for another day. let's move on now to susie ring at bloomberg. - for another day. let's move on now to susie ring at bloomberg. hi - to susie ring at bloomberg. hi there. to susie ring at bloomberg. there. congratulations on to susie ring at bloomberg.- there. congratulations on another approval. ijust wanted to know if you could talk a bit more about your plans on intervals. obviously the ema said today they would choose to focus on the 86% of people in trials who were tested, which is why they went with that recommendation. but pascal, you said you are doing further studies on intervals, two months specifically. i'm just wondering when they would get up and running and whether it would take two months? they mentioned weeks ago that 8-12 two months? they mentioned weeks ago that 8—12 weeks looks to be the sweet spot. and also, mentioned the cdc this week that you would have data soon on the reaction to variants. could you just tell us when that data will be coming on the current vaccine's reaction to variants, and will there be data on another vaccine being developed against one of the?— against one of the? think you. thanks, susie. _ against one of the? think you. thanks, susie. as _ against one of the? think you. thanks, susie. as far - against one of the? think you. thanks, susie. as far as - thanks, susie. as faras availability and new data, we are working — availability and new data, we are working really hard to try to address— working really hard to try to address the critical question that you raised — address the critical question that you raised about the protection the vaccine _ you raised about the protection the vaccine offers to the variant circulating in the various different countries — circulating in the various different countries that we are working on. thats— countries that we are working on. that's a _ countries that we are working on. that's a complex process because we have to _ that's a complex process because we have to obtain all the viruses in the trials — have to obtain all the viruses in the trials who have covid—19 and check _ the trials who have covid—19 and check the — the trials who have covid—19 and check the sequence to see which one it is. check the sequence to see which one it is so _ check the sequence to see which one it is so we _ check the sequence to see which one it is. so we are making good progress _ it is. so we are making good progress with that but it will still be a progress with that but it will still he a hit — progress with that but it will still be a bit longer before we can get our results — be a bit longer before we can get our results to be made available on that _ our results to be made available on that and _ our results to be made available on that. and the second question about new vaccines — all developers are looking _ new vaccines — all developers are looking cautiously and carefully at these _ looking cautiously and carefully at these variants that are rising. and they're _ these variants that are rising. and they're working out the processes that will— they're working out the processes that will be required if we did have to respond — that will be required if we did have to respond and make new vaccines for the variance — to respond and make new vaccines for the variance. and it is right that that should be happening, because although— that should be happening, because although we are quite confident about— although we are quite confident about many of the variance at the vaccine _ about many of the variance at the vaccine should work against them, it does throw— vaccine should work against them, it does throw up the question about whether— does throw up the question about whether future variants could arise during _ whether future variants could arise during the — whether future variants could arise during the course of this year or in the future — during the course of this year or in the future. and we have to work out both from _ the future. and we have to work out both from a — the future. and we have to work out both from a scientific perspective, but also _ both from a scientific perspective, but also regulators about what the ti l ht but also regulators about what the right approach will be in the future _ right approach will be in the future. �* ., ., . future. and regarding the introduce interval, future. and regarding the introduce interval. we — future. and regarding the introduce interval, we still _ future. and regarding the introduce interval, we still remain _ future. and regarding the introduce interval, we still remain and - interval, we still remain and believe committed to the fact that the inter—dose interval will be very important in terms of optimising the vaccine, and the oxford and astrazeneca teams are working now on a publication that will hopefully highlight that data. once that data is out, i think it will become much clearer the direction we want to go in, in terms of that interval. i think we actually probably have a lot of data now, and obviously we got a lot of data now, the real... there's been a lot of doses already in the uk, and i actually think the more interesting data will come from that impact data which will be in the real world but start to show us the real world but start to show us the impact of the vaccine on severe disease, hospitalisation and infections.— disease, hospitalisation and infections. �* ., �*, ., ., , infections. and that's a really important — infections. and that's a really important point _ infections. and that's a really important point to _ infections. and that's a really important point to pick- infections. and that's a really important point to pick up, i infections. and that's a really. important point to pick up, but infections. and that's a really - important point to pick up, but the most _ important point to pick up, but the most important impact on the vaccines— most important impact on the vaccines will be about the prevention of the pressure on our health— prevention of the pressure on our health systems. that's the thing that's— health systems. that's the thing that's keeping us all and locked down _ that's keeping us all and locked down and — that's keeping us all and locked down and staying at home, and putting — down and staying at home, and putting huge pressure on other medical— putting huge pressure on other medical treatments. putting huge pressure on other medicaltreatments. so putting huge pressure on other medical treatments. so that is the critical— medical treatments. so that is the critical component. and of course, in clinical— critical component. and of course, in clinical trials, we always have relatively— in clinical trials, we always have relatively small amounts of information on that. but once you -et information on that. but once you get in _ information on that. but once you get in the — information on that. but once you get in the real world views with nrillions— get in the real world views with millions of people, i think that's where _ millions of people, i think that's where we — millions of people, i think that's where we will see the enormous amount— where we will see the enormous amount of— where we will see the enormous amount of vaccines and the pandemic stop just to add to that, you will see it and the label, something that's very consistent between the uk and the ema approvals that we have got data that shows we've got very good protection against these hospitalisations, which ultimately i think is the most important thing when we think about getting back to normality. when we think about getting back to normali . �* . when we think about getting back to normali . �* , ., ., ., francisco from italy? hello, can you hear me? yes. _ francisco from italy? hello, can you hear me? yes, we _ francisco from italy? hello, can you hear me? yes, we can. _ francisco from italy? hello, can you hear me? yes, we can. sorry, - francisco from italy? hello, can you hear me? yes, we can. sorry, ok. i francisco from italy? hello, can you i hear me? yes, we can. sorry, 0k. are ou hear me? yes, we can. sorry, 0k. are you worried _ hear me? yes, we can. sorry, 0k. are you worried about _ hear me? yes, we can. sorry, 0k. are you worried about the _ hear me? yes, we can. sorry, 0k. are you worried about the fact _ hear me? yes, we can. sorry, 0k. are you worried about the fact that - hear me? yes, we can. sorry, 0k. are you worried about the fact that some l you worried about the fact that some member states are considering not giving this vaccine to elderly people, only to people under 65? why do you think they don't trust your vaccine? �* , ., i. do you think they don't trust your vaccine? �* , ., ,, . do you think they don't trust your vaccine? �* , ., i. ., ., do you think they don't trust your vaccine? �* , ., ., ., .,~ vaccine? andy, do you want to take this? perhaps— vaccine? andy, do you want to take this? perhaps l _ vaccine? andy, do you want to take this? perhaps i can _ vaccine? andy, do you want to take this? perhaps i can talk _ vaccine? andy, do you want to take this? perhaps i can talk about - vaccine? andy, do you want to take this? perhaps i can talk about this. | this? perhaps i can talk about this. i think it this? perhaps i can talk about this. i think it is — this? perhaps i can talk about this. i think it is clear— this? perhaps i can talk about this. i think it is clear from _ this? perhaps i can talk about this. i think it is clear from the - i think it is clear from the approvals that the vaccine is approved in all the countries so far for all— approved in all the countries so far for all ages. — approved in all the countries so far forallages, it approved in all the countries so far for all ages, it can be used for all ages _ for all ages, it can be used for all ages but — for all ages, it can be used for all ages. but obviously we have to respect — ages. but obviously we have to respect any decisions from member states— respect any decisions from member states about how to use the vaccine, and they— states about how to use the vaccine, and they have their own scientific communities who will make those decisions. — communities who will make those decisions, which will be based on what _ decisions, which will be based on what is _ decisions, which will be based on what is the — decisions, which will be based on what is the best interest for the population and their vaccine supplies, and so on. there is no reason — supplies, and so on. there is no reason to— supplies, and so on. there is no reason to he _ supplies, and so on. there is no reason to be concerned about using it, reason to be concerned about using it. we _ reason to be concerned about using it. we are _ reason to be concerned about using it, we are very confident in the data _ it, we are very confident in the data we — it, we are very confident in the data we have. we have data showing there _ data we have. we have data showing there is— data we have. we have data showing there is good immune responses in older— there is good immune responses in older adults and younger adults. the safety— older adults and younger adults. the safety profile in older results atomic — safety profile in older results atomic or adult is very good. the efficacy— atomic or adult is very good. the efficacy data we have is limited because — efficacy data we have is limited because older adults are relatively cautious— because older adults are relatively cautious in— because older adults are relatively cautious in the areas where we are doing _ cautious in the areas where we are doing the — cautious in the areas where we are doing the trials, so we have slightly— doing the trials, so we have slightly fewer numbers of cases to - ive slightly fewer numbers of cases to give confidence. there's no reason to think— give confidence. there's no reason to think it— give confidence. there's no reason to think it should be different from younger— to think it should be different from younger adults, and we are quite confident— younger adults, and we are quite confident because their immune responses are so similar. we will see substantial protection in the same _ see substantial protection in the same way— see substantial protection in the same way as we have in younger adults _ same way as we have in younger adults. �* , . ., same way as we have in younger adults. �* , _, ., ., adults. andy, we could add that we have the us — adults. andy, we could add that we have the us study _ adults. andy, we could add that we have the us study with _ adults. andy, we could add that we have the us study with additional. have the us study with additional data. �* ., , ., , data. and the trials are still runnina data. and the trials are still running in _ data. and the trials are still running in the _ data. and the trials are still running in the uk _ data. and the trials are still running in the uk and - data. and the trials are stilll running in the uk and brazil, data. and the trials are still - running in the uk and brazil, where there _ running in the uk and brazil, where there is— running in the uk and brazil, where there is almost 20% or older adults in those _ there is almost 20% or older adults in those trials. so there's a lot more — in those trials. so there's a lot more data _ in those trials. so there's a lot more data to come. and of course, one of— more data to come. and of course, one of the — more data to come. and of course, one of the reasons why regulators have _ one of the reasons why regulators have confidently approved the vaccines — have confidently approved the vaccines is because there's a pandemic— vaccines is because there's a pandemic on, and we absently have to protect— pandemic on, and we absently have to protect people today. we can't wait another _ protect people today. we can't wait another six — protect people today. we can't wait another six months for solid statistics. this is about protecting people _ statistics. this is about protecting people and it's about a public health— people and it's about a public health message. the agency has put that out— health message. the agency has put that out very strongly today. the ema that out very strongly today. iis: ema mentioned that out very strongly today. tis: ema mentioned today the data in adults was published a year ago, it's actually good.— adults was published a year ago, it's actually good. thank you, let's no to it's actually good. thank you, let's go to rebecca _ it's actually good. thank you, let's go to rebecca robinson _ it's actually good. thank you, let's go to rebecca robinson from - it's actually good. thank you, let's go to rebecca robinson from the i it's actually good. thank you, let's - go to rebecca robinson from the new york times _ go to rebecca robinson from the new york times. ., ., ,, , ., go to rebecca robinson from the new york times. ., ., «i , ., ., york times. hello, thank you for takin: york times. hello, thank you for taking my _ york times. hello, thank you for taking my question. _ york times. hello, thank you for taking my question. i _ york times. hello, thank you for taking my question. i wanted - york times. hello, thank you for taking my question. i wanted to| york times. hello, thank you for i taking my question. i wanted to ask you about the timing of the data coming from the united states trial, as well as any additional efficacy data from the trial in south africa? and i was also, along those lines, curious if you could speak to the supply obligations to the united states? i know they've secured 300 million doses, so i was wondering if you had timelines or deadlines for when you will begin to supply the united states with the first of those doses after it's granted. thank you. authors about the us. the us studies is for the recruited. _ authors about the us. the us studies is for the recruited. -- _ authors about the us. the us studies is for the recruited. -- i _ authors about the us. the us studies is for the recruited. -- i will - authors about the us. the us studies is for the recruited. -- i will talk - is for the recruited. —— iwill talk about— is for the recruited. —— iwill talk about the — is for the recruited. —— iwill talk about the us. the anticipation is that it _ about the us. the anticipation is that it will— about the us. the anticipation is that it will be reading out, i would imagine _ that it will be reading out, i would imagine sometime in february, but we haven't— imagine sometime in february, but we haven't been— imagine sometime in february, but we haven't been any more specific the event _ haven't been any more specific the event ultimately because it is in the event — event ultimately because it is in the event driven study but it is for the event driven study but it is for the recruited and going well. we have _ the recruited and going well. we have all— the recruited and going well. we have all the ethnic diversity and a-e have all the ethnic diversity and age diversity we need. and we wait for the _ age diversity we need. and we wait for the events to accumulate so we can read _ for the events to accumulate so we can read up — for the events to accumulate so we can read up. to for the events to accumulate so we can read up-_ for the events to accumulate so we can read up. to some extent i think the answer— can read up. to some extent i think the answerfor— can read up. to some extent i think the answer for the _ can read up. to some extent i think the answer for the south _ can read up. to some extent i think the answer for the south african - the answer for the south african study. _ the answer for the south african study. and — the answer for the south african study. and also _ the answer for the south african study, and also for _ the answer for the south african study, and also for the - the answer for the south african study, and also for the uk - the answer for the south african study, and also for the uk study like i_ study, and also for the uk study like i guess— study, and also for the uk study like i guess the _ study, and also for the uk study like i guess the question - study, and also for the uk study like i guess the question is - study, and also for the uk studyl like i guess the question is really about— like i guess the question is really about the — like i guess the question is really about the new— like i guess the question is really about the new variance. - like i guess the question is really- about the new variance. accumulating cases _ about the new variance. accumulating cases at _ about the new variance. accumulating cases at the _ about the new variance. accumulating cases at the moment. _ about the new variance. accumulating cases at the moment. and _ about the new variance. accumulating cases at the moment. and the - about the new variance. accumulating cases at the moment. and the teamsl cases at the moment. and the teams that are _ cases at the moment. and the teams that are working _ cases at the moment. and the teams that are working really— cases at the moment. and the teams that are working really hard - cases at the moment. and the teams that are working really hard to - cases at the moment. and the teams that are working really hard to try- that are working really hard to try to make — that are working really hard to try to make sure _ that are working really hard to try to make sure that _ that are working really hard to try to make sure that we _ that are working really hard to try to make sure that we can- that are working really hard to try to make sure that we can give - that are working really hard to try. to make sure that we can give robust analysis— to make sure that we can give robust analysis but— to make sure that we can give robust analysis but i— to make sure that we can give robust analysis but i don't— to make sure that we can give robust analysis but i don't have _ to make sure that we can give robust analysis but i don't have an- to make sure that we can give robust analysis but i don't have an actual. analysis but i don't have an actual date on _ analysis but i don't have an actual date on that— analysis but i don't have an actual date on that yet— analysis but i don't have an actual date on that yet for— analysis but i don't have an actual date on that yet for that. - analysis but i don't have an actual date on that yet for that. but - date on that yet for that. but hopefully _ date on that yet for that. but hopefully sooner _ date on that yet for that. but hopefully sooner rather - date on that yet for that. but hopefully sooner rather than | date on that yet for that. but - hopefully sooner rather than later. the manufacturing _ hopefully sooner rather than later. the manufacturing question, - hopefully sooner rather than later. the manufacturing question, we i hopefully sooner rather than later. i the manufacturing question, we have an agreement as you probably know because we are now submitting month ago, with the un government and we are working hand—in—hand to manufacture the vaccine, they know where we stand. —— us government. started it sometime ago. we are not in the process of committing in january and be ready to launch as soon as the vaccine rolls out. let's go over to larissa from the german news agency dpa. go over to larissa from the german news agency dpa— go over to larissa from the german news agency dpa. hello. can you hear me? yes. news agency dpa. hello. can you hear me? yes- a — news agency dpa. hello. can you hear me? yes- a key _ news agency dpa. hello. can you hear me? yes. a key for— news agency dpa. hello. can you hear me? yes. a key for the _ news agency dpa. hello. can you hear me? yes. a key for the opportunity. i me? yes. a key for the opportunity. so after the — me? yes. a key for the opportunity. so after the recent route with the eu commission about supplies ought would be interested in a clarify position regarding the supplies to the eu countries, so the question would be i going to take back those supply cuts to the eu that you are not earlier in the second question that i have, regarding the contract that i have, regarding the contract that the eu commission announced earlier today, there have been parts which were supposed to be blackened out but which have been accessible to the public. and i would like to ask you for comment on that. thank you. ask you for comment on that. thank ou. . ~' ask you for comment on that. thank ou. . «i y ., ask you for comment on that. thank ou. ., a ask you for comment on that. thank ou. ., «i a ask you for comment on that. thank ou. ., «i i, ., you. thank you. as i said earlier, we have said _ you. thank you. as i said earlier, we have said what _ you. thank you. as i said earlier, we have said what can _ you. thank you. as i said earlier, we have said what can be - you. thank you. as i said earlier, we have said what can be said . you. thank you. as i said earlier, we have said what can be said as| you. thank you. as i said earlier, i we have said what can be said as far as the legal aspect, the contract, etc, what i can tell you is that we are working 24/7, to start with we have millions of doses that we are start shipping to the eu over the next few days and weeks. we have quite a substantial quantity already to ship to the various countries and we are working 24/7 to increase this capacity in any additional sources of what we call directive states that we are redeploying from all the parts of the world so we can top of the supply that we have and you to make sure that we vaccinate as many people as possible. so we are really committed to this and in terms of, with the contract, i would only say that it with the contract, i would only say thatitis with the contract, i would only say that it is very unfortunate and concerning actually that but apart from this, there is not much more that we can say. hello?— that we can say. hello? sorry. i connection _ that we can say. hello? sorry. i connection was _ that we can say. hello? sorry. i connection was will— that we can say. hello? sorry. i connection was will be. - that we can say. hello? sorry. i connection was will be. let's i that we can say. hello? sorry. ij connection was will be. let's go that we can say. hello? sorry. i. connection was will be. let's go to your highness mate from the belgian tv. -- your highness mate from the belgian tv. —— my connection was wonky there. ——johannes. johannes? d0 tv. -- my connection was wonky there. -- johannes. johannes? do you hear me? yes- — there. -- johannes. johannes? do you hear me? yes. great. _ there. -- johannes. johannes? do you hear me? yes. great. thank— there. -- johannes. johannes? do you hear me? yes. great. thank you. - there. -- johannes. johannes? do you hear me? yes. great. thank you. i- hear me? yes. great. thank you. i had a very — hear me? yes. great. thank you. i had a very simple _ hear me?“ great. thank you. i had a very simple question. - hear me?“ great. thank you. i had a very simple question. you i hear me?“ great. thank you. i. had a very simple question. you said there _ had a very simple question. you said there was— had a very simple question. you said there was a — had a very simple question. you said there was a problem _ had a very simple question. you said there was a problem of— had a very simple question. you said there was a problem of production i had a very simple question. you saidj there was a problem of production at there was a problem of production at the factory— there was a problem of production at the factory in — there was a problem of production at the factory in belgium. _ there was a problem of production at the factory in belgium. what- there was a problem of production at the factory in belgium. what is- the factory in belgium. what is wrong — the factory in belgium. what is wrong with— the factory in belgium. what is wrong with the _ the factory in belgium. what is wrong with the production - the factory in belgium. what is. wrong with the production there? the factory in belgium. what is- wrong with the production there? i don't _ wrong with the production there? i don't understand _ wrong with the production there? i don't understand what _ wrong with the production there? i don't understand what the - wrong with the production there? i| don't understand what the problem is. ~ don't understand what the problem is. . ., , ., don't understand what the problem is. we actually never mentioned any of our partners _ is. we actually never mentioned any of our partners and _ is. we actually never mentioned any of our partners and we _ is. we actually never mentioned any of our partners and we don't - is. we actually never mentioned any| of our partners and we don't mention the partners. — of our partners and we don't mention the partners, what we said is that we have _ the partners, what we said is that we have at— the partners, what we said is that we have at viability of the year across — we have at viability of the year across the _ we have at viability of the year across the site. you have to understand, we're talking about manufacturing here and as i said earlier. — manufacturing here and as i said earlier. the _ manufacturing here and as i said earlier, the process usually is over years. _ earlier, the process usually is over years. you — earlier, the process usually is over years, you tested come you look at the park— years, you tested come you look at the park activity, you increase and you study— the park activity, you increase and you study it. — the park activity, you increase and you study it, —— look to be productivity, and months and years, the different the process of a vaccine. _ the different the process of a vaccine, which is high—yield and very— vaccine, which is high—yield and very robust, very repeatable, we have _ very robust, very repeatable, we have done — very robust, very repeatable, we have done the same but in months, and what _ have done the same but in months, and what that means is of course the productivity — and what that means is of course the productivity will not be the same in a site _ productivity will not be the same in a site that — productivity will not be the same in a site that is still in the running, i a site that is still in the running, i site _ a site that is still in the running, i site that — a site that is still in the running, i site that has stopped a long time a-o i site that has stopped a long time ago in _ i site that has stopped a long time ago in a _ i site that has stopped a long time ago in a couple of sites started working — ago in a couple of sites started working with the university but some time ago _ working with the university but some time ago a _ working with the university but some time ago a number of months now to refine _ time ago a number of months now to refine the _ time ago a number of months now to refine the standing of the process and their— refine the standing of the process and their knowledge of people, people — and their knowledge of people, people to understand manufacturing vaccines _ people to understand manufacturing vaccines are extreme the complicated, it is not like doing orange — complicated, it is not like doing orange juice, complicated, it is not like doing orangejuice, it is complicated, it is not like doing orange juice, it is extreme the complicated. and the teams at a manufacturing those products have to be trained _ manufacturing those products have to be trained and they have to master the process, so everybody is on a learning — the process, so everybody is on a learning curve which usually takes years _ learning curve which usually takes years. here we have had months. so some _ years. here we have had months. so some sites— years. here we have had months. so some sites are more advanced than others _ some sites are more advanced than others but— some sites are more advanced than others. but everybody is moving in the right— others. but everybody is moving in the right direction. everybody is committed. we have been working hard _ committed. we have been working hard. we've had teething issues in terms _ hard. we've had teething issues in terms of— hard. we've had teething issues in terms of the guild and some of the sites _ terms of the guild and some of the sites the — terms of the guild and some of the sites. the reasons vary from site to site _ sites. the reasons vary from site to site the _ sites. the reasons vary from site to site. the process is very complex. there _ site. the process is very complex. there will— site. the process is very complex. there will be many steps. you can have _ there will be many steps. you can have an _ there will be many steps. you can have an issue at one step or another~ _ have an issue at one step or another. but we believe we have now fixed most _ another. but we believe we have now fixed most of the issues and the productivity of the site should work together— productivity of the site should work together the next few months. again, really— together the next few months. again, really i _ together the next few months. again, really i think important for everybody to remember we are really trying _ everybody to remember we are really trying to _ everybody to remember we are really trying to do _ everybody to remember we are really trying to do everything here at full speed. _ trying to do everything here at full speed, and of course, as i said earlier. — speed, and of course, as i said earlier. the _ speed, and of course, as i said earlier, the alternative to wait longer— earlier, the alternative to wait longer to— earlier, the alternative to wait longer to the process is better, but will have _ longer to the process is better, but will have no— longer to the process is better, but will have no vaccine, but unfortunately the yield has not been at the _ unfortunately the yield has not been at the level we were expecting it and some — at the level we were expecting it and some of the sites.— at the level we were expecting it and some of the sites. let's go to carrie simmons _ and some of the sites. let's go to carrie simmons from _ and some of the sites. let's go to carrie simmons from nbc. -- - and some of the sites. let's go to| carrie simmons from nbc. -- kier simmons- — carrie simmons from nbc. -- kier simmons- can _ carrie simmons from nbc. -- kier simmons. can you _ carrie simmons from nbc. -- kier simmons. can you hear _ carrie simmons from nbc. -- kier simmons. can you hear me? - carrie simmons from nbc. -- kier simmons. can you hear me? go . carrie simmons from nbc. -- kier- simmons. can you hear me? go ahead. terrific. in simmons. can you hear me? go ahead. terrific- in the — simmons. can you hear me? go ahead. terrific. in the us, _ simmons. can you hear me? go ahead. terrific. in the us, they _ simmons. can you hear me? go ahead. terrific. in the us, they now— simmons. can you hear me? go ahead. terrific. in the us, they now have - terrific. in the us, they now have identified — terrific. in the us, they now have identified what— terrific. in the us, they now have identified what has _ terrific. in the us, they now have identified what has been- terrific. in the us, they now have identified what has been called i terrific. in the us, they now have i identified what has been called the south _ identified what has been called the south african — identified what has been called the south african invariant, _ identified what has been called the south african invariant, can - identified what has been called the south african invariant, can you i south african invariant, can you explain — south african invariant, can you explain a — south african invariant, can you explain a little _ south african invariant, can you explain a little of _ south african invariant, can you explain a little of the _ south african invariant, can you explain a little of the science i south african invariant, can you explain a little of the science ofj explain a little of the science of why you — explain a little of the science of why you don't _ explain a little of the science of why you don't believe - explain a little of the science of why you don't believe while i explain a little of the science of. why you don't believe while those variance _ why you don't believe while those variance may— why you don't believe while those variance may reduce _ why you don't believe while those variance may reduce efficacy, i why you don't believe while those | variance may reduce efficacy, they are not— variance may reduce efficacy, they are not going _ variance may reduce efficacy, they are not going to— variance may reduce efficacy, they are not going to eliminate - variance may reduce efficacy, they are not going to eliminate the i are not going to eliminate the impact — are not going to eliminate the impact of— are not going to eliminate the impact of a _ are not going to eliminate the impact of a vaccine _ are not going to eliminate the impact of a vaccine i - are not going to eliminate the impact of a vaccine i like i are not going to eliminate the | impact of a vaccine i like yours are not going to eliminate the i impact of a vaccine i like yours and 'ust impact of a vaccine i like yours and just secondly. _ impact of a vaccine i like yours and just secondly. it _ impact of a vaccine i like yours and just secondly, it to _ impact of a vaccine i like yours and just secondly, it to pascal, - impact of a vaccine i like yours and just secondly, it to pascal, how- just secondly, it to pascal, how difficult — just secondly, it to pascal, how difficult of _ just secondly, it to pascal, how difficult of the _ just secondly, it to pascal, how difficult of the conversations i just secondly, it to pascal, how. difficult of the conversations have been _ difficult of the conversations have been with — difficult of the conversations have been with european _ difficult of the conversations have been with european leaders - difficult of the conversations have been with european leaders overl difficult of the conversations have i been with european leaders over the past few— been with european leaders over the past few days? — been with european leaders over the past few days? he _ been with european leaders over the past few days?— past few days? do you want to cover the first one? _ past few days? do you want to cover the first one? i— past few days? do you want to cover the first one? i think— past few days? do you want to cover the first one? i think is _ past few days? do you want to cover the first one? i think is a _ the first one? i think is a scientist _ the first one? i think is a scientist that _ the first one? i think is a scientist that you - the first one? i think is a i scientist that you absolutely the first one? i think is a - scientist that you absolutely have to have the dates the question. so i can't answer that, the question about the impact the south african bearing area. that is why we are doing the research to address that. —— south african invariant. but when you look at the changes in the spike proteins that have been thrown up by some of these variants, we would expect it to be some impact on the efficacy of vaccines as a result of that. assuming our understanding of the immune response is right. we have seen some of that in the data being press release over the last 24 hours, but obviously we need to have greatest scrutiny on that with some of the other vaccines. from peer review publications or more information about it. but that is what you would expect, to be some impact on some of the variance because the change in spike proteins. i think really what i was talking about was future variance that we really don't have any knowledge about there, the changes in the proteins, we note the changes in the proteins, we note the changes in structure it has on and neutralising antibodies and that's what will be able to work out how best to respond to this new variance if we need to come and i think they're really good news here is that if we needed to make new vaccines, those can be done within a matter of months, it is not like the situation we were in a year ago but we have to go through a almost a year development to reach a point where we had viable vaccines. for a new vaccines to be made, it will just take a matter of months and that will put us in a position where we can respond to any threats that we can respond to any threats that we have from the virus if it changes. one last point is that although there are some concerns about some of the variance, and they may evade mild disease and transmission, but it is still possible the vaccines are adequate to prevent severe disease and hospitalisation, that is what will be looking at really carefully as the months go by. for be looking at really carefully as the months go by.— be looking at really carefully as the months go by. for the second ruestion, the months go by. for the second question. i— the months go by. for the second question. i met — the months go by. for the second question, i met the _ the months go by. for the second| question, i met the representative of the _ question, i met the representative of the member states and the commission and i met them because i wanted _ commission and i met them because i wanted to— commission and i met them because i wanted to explain where we are and what we _ wanted to explain where we are and what we are — wanted to explain where we are and what we are trying to do but also wanted _ what we are trying to do but also wanted to — what we are trying to do but also wanted to hear from we had a good discussion— wanted to hear from we had a good discussion where i can tell you now is we _ discussion where i can tell you now is we are _ discussion where i can tell you now is we are focused on making sure that the — is we are focused on making sure that the production and the delivery of vaccines— that the production and the delivery of vaccines to the community come i think— of vaccines to the community come i think what— of vaccines to the community come i think what is— of vaccines to the community come i think what is may be important to remember— think what is may be important to remember without vaccine is that only did _ remember without vaccine is that only did 20 million doses of a vaccine — only did 20 million doses of a vaccine over months, we don't vaccinate _ vaccine over months, we don't vaccinate 10 million people because you need _ vaccinate 10 million people because you need to doses. we can actually vaccinate _ you need to doses. we can actually vaccinate 20 million people because of the _ vaccinate 20 million people because of the those regiment allows the second _ of the those regiment allows the second is— of the those regiment allows the second is to be delivered three months — second is to be delivered three months later. it is really important because _ months later. it is really important because the flexibility well over the next — because the flexibility well over the next three months enabled the european _ the next three months enabled the european community to use everything the dose _ european community to use everything the dose of— european community to use everything the dose of vaccine to vaccinate one individual _ the dose of vaccine to vaccinate one individual added with this provide a very good _ individual added with this provide a very good coverage and very good level— very good coverage and very good level of— very good coverage and very good level of protection, the efficacy for the — level of protection, the efficacy for the first dose between the first of the _ for the first dose between the first of the second dose is very good, and then we _ of the second dose is very good, and then we will— of the second dose is very good, and then we will be able to provide the good _ then we will be able to provide the good protections toward large number of people _ good protections toward large number of people. we good protections toward large number of --eole. ~ . of people. we will leave the briefin: of people. we will leave the briefing there _ of people. we will leave the briefing there from - of people. we will leave the i briefing there from astrazeneca. of people. we will leave the - briefing there from astrazeneca. now the chief executive of the firm. reacting to the news that european medicines agency has given clearance for the astrazeneca vaccine to be used across the european union but of course there are problems when it comes to exporting the vaccine. suggestions potentially that stocks that are allocated to the uk could it be cues in to fulfil astrazeneca contractual obligation to provide enough doses for european union citizens. but we have a response from the government to that suggestion. robert genera, committee housing secretary says the government is confident that the uk will receive the vaccines it expects in the days and weeks to come. the government confident it will get all the stocks of astrazeneca vaccine it believes it needs. the manufacturers ofthe believes it needs. the manufacturers of the vaccine. _ believes it needs. the manufacturers of the vaccine, speaking _ believes it needs. the manufacturers of the vaccine, speaking to _ believes it needs. the manufacturers of the vaccine, speaking to them i of the vaccine, speaking to them every day, we are confident that we have the supplies that we need for the coming days and weeks, i'm not going to comment on the use on discussions with those manufacturers, what we need to focus on is making sure that uk residents and the nhs here gets to vaccines thatis and the nhs here gets to vaccines that is required and we are confident that we will be receiving what we expected in the days and we said. . what we expected in the days and we said. , , ., said. giving the government response- — said. giving the government response. now— said. giving the government response. now on _ said. giving the government response. now on bbc- said. giving the government. response. now on bbc news, said. giving the government i response. now on bbc news, time said. giving the government - response. now on bbc news, time for the film review with mark kermode.