Italy restricts export of AZ vaccine, including Korea

Applicable for permission imported vaccines manufactured in Italy

It is an analysis that the EU's policy to restrict the export of the COVID-19 vaccine produced in Korea is highly likely to affect Korea.

 

In particular, it is expected that the recent restriction on the export of AstraZeneca vaccine produced in Italy to Australia could directly affect the supply and demand of vaccines in Korea.

 

This is because the AZ imported vaccine, which is currently undergoing approval review, is a product manufactured in Italy.

 

According to foreign media, on the 4th, AstraZeneca requested export to Australia for 250,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine produced at the Italian factory, but was rejected by EU authorities.

 

The EU has a policy to allow export by examining the quantity requested for export other than the supply within the EU.

 

The Italian-made AstraZeneca vaccine is also highly related to Korea.

 

In January, AstraZeneca applied for a COVID-19 vaccine license, including a vaccine produced by SK Bioscience in Korea and two imported vaccines supplied by an Italian factory.

 

Among them, COVID-19 vaccine produced by SK Bioscience received final approval on February 10, and the imported vaccine produced in Italy is currently under review.

 

Some are raising the possibility of including Italian imported vaccines among the AZ vaccines supplied by COVAX for 1.05 million people that will be introduced from the end of this month to May.

 

Therefore, it is interpreted that prompt product approval is necessary for the smooth supply of imported vaccines.

 

It is known that the MFDS is also in a hurry to permit the AZ vaccine.

 

However, even if permission is obtained prior to supply, it is analyzed that there is little possibility to receive normal supply as the EU restricts exports from overseas.

 

Therefore, it is expected that all of AZ vaccines by Covax must be supplied as a product of SK Bioscience to relieve supply and demand anxiety.

 

It is reported that the government is also in consultation with Covax for this purpose.

 

An official from the government said, "There is a possibility that some imported vaccines will be included in the quantity of AZ vaccines by COVAX, so I know that the government is in consultation with COVAX.

 

However, it is expected that an import license will come out soon, so even if the actual import volume arrives, it is unlikely that it will undergo special import procedures like the case of Pfizer vaccine."