Close cooperation in the EU ensured rapid federal batch release of large numbers of COVID-19 vaccine batches.
Since the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, COVID-19 vaccines have been rapidly brought to the authorisation stage all around the world. As vaccines were being developed, the European network of Official Medicines Control Laboratories (OMCL), which includes the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, prepared for the experimental batch testing of large numbers of different COVID-19 vaccine batches by taking steps such as investing in new equipment and materials; establishing and validating new test methods; and training additional laboratory personnel. Although they could not predict which vaccine candidates would ultimately be authorised, the network was prepared to test a wide variety of vaccines.
