The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has called on states to speed up their vaccination programs as infections may increase. According to the EMA, two doses of a Covid vaccine are needed to provide protection against the Delta variant .
"Preliminary evidence suggests that both doses of a Covid-19 vaccine are necessary to provide adequate protection against the Delta variant," the EMA said in a statement.
EMA has approved the Pfizer / BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca vaccines. According to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the Delta variant of the coronavirus will account for 90% of cases by the end of August.
Studies have shown that the variant is 40% to 60% more transmissible than previous types of virus.
"This makes it very important that countries accelerate vaccination programs, including delivering second doses where recommended, and closing immunity gaps and opportunities for further variants to emerge as soon as possible." said the EMA.
The EMA also added that there is good scientific evidence that mixing doses of two different vaccines was "safe and effective" against Covid-19.
The Delta variant has been confirmed in Kosovo, while no cases have been reported in Albania so far.
