Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi, in a written answer on 22 July 2026, defended the safety of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, stating that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has found no evidence of batch-dependent variation in side effects. The answer, responding to a question from MEP Gerald Hauser (PfE), reaffirms that only batches complying with approved quality specifications are released, with independent testing by Member State laboratories for most centrally authorised vaccines. Várhelyi pointed to existing pharmacovigilance systems—including EudraVigilance reports and signal management tools—that continuously monitor adverse reactions and product quality, and noted that EMA analyses have not revealed increased risks for specific batches. The answer references previous parliamentary replies (E-001537/2023 and P-002990/2024) that addressed similar concerns. However, the Commissioner acknowledged that the Commission does not hold comparative batch-level quality control data by Member State, leaving a potential transparency gap. The response offers no new concrete measures, such as enhanced batch-level reporting or independent investigations, instead relying on existing EMA monitoring frameworks. This may reassure public health authorities and vaccine manufacturers but could leave patient safety advocates and MEPs seeking more granular data unsatisfied. Institutional follow-up is likely to involve continued EMA surveillance and potential further parliamentary questions if batch-related concerns persist.
Source✉ Open answer ↗
Asked byGerald Hauser (PfE)