France's health technology assessment body says that delaying by six weeks the second dose of the two mRNA vaccines approved for use against COVID-19 would allow at least 700,000 more people to receive their jab in the first month.

The European Ombudsman has opened an inquiry regarding the disclosure of vaccine contracts with other companies, and the European Commission is planning a “sharing mechanism” for vaccines bought by EU member states.

Australia will begin its coronavirus vaccination program with Comirnaty. The Oxford University/AstraZeneca vaccine is expected to be the next to receive approval.

Hungary is going its own way when it comes to coronavirus vaccines, but its decision to allow the emergency use of the Oxford University/AstraZeneca vaccine may be only a symbolic expression of the government’s growing impatience with the EU.

Valneva is scaling up manufacture of its coronavirus vaccine alongside the clinical development program, with a view to meeting its commitment to provide millions of doses for use in the UK and the EU.

The UK government says it will begin a consultation on a future falsified medicines scheme for Great Britain within a year after the passage of new legislation on medicines and medical devices. Moves are also under way to ensure the smooth supply of medicines from GB to Cyprus, Ireland, Malta and Northern Ireland.