The European Medicines Agency (EMA) said on Wednesday it was “too early” to consider introducing fourth-dose mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) in the general population, although it supports its use in adults over the age of 80. Due to the increased risk of developing severe covid-19.

In a joint note with the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), both agencies announced that they concluded that there was insufficient data to recommend the need for a fourth dose, which in practice is considered the second booster dose. The first two injections are part of the primary vaccination.

“Both agencies agree that, after reviewing data on the increased risk of severe COVID-19 in this age group and the protection afforded by the fourth dose, a second supplement may be given to adults aged 80 and over.”

However, they believe that there is currently no clear evidence in the European Union (EU) that protection against serious cases of covid-19 is “significantly reduced in adults aged 60 to 79 with normal immune systems”, so there is no protection. Evidence to “support immediate use of fourth dose”.

Evidence for the effects of the fourth dose comes largely from Israel.

Authorities will continue to monitor the data to determine whether there is an increased risk of serious illness among those vaccinated and warned that “if the current epidemiological situation changes and new signals emerge, a fourth dose may need to be considered.” Age group over 60 years old”.

However, they do not recommend administering it to adults under 60 with healthy immune systems “as there is no conclusive evidence that vaccines have reduced protection against serious disease or that a fourth dose has added value.” .

The EMA and ECDC point out that revaccination campaigns could “start in the fall”, and at that time national authorities will assess the best time to apply additional doses “possibly making use of updated vaccines.”

For those who have not yet received any doses, European agencies remind that vaccination against covid-19 “remains the most effective way to prevent serious diseases, including serious diseases caused by the omicron variant during the current pandemic” and EU citizens receive their primary and booster vaccines. .

As of the end of last March, 83% of adults had received their first vaccine and only 64% had received an additional dose.