Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine plans for Africa and Middle East

Is the COVID-19 vaccine for ages 12-15 safe? Would you need a booster shot? Patrick van der Loo, Pfizer's Regional President for AfME, sheds light on these frequently asked questions and discusses how the company is driving greater patient access across the region.

Last year, Pfizer raced to develop a COVID-19 vaccine in record time, and these have been instrumental in saving many lives. Recently, the company also rolled out the vaccine for 12-to-15-year old's marking a significant step in the fight against the pandemic.Omnia Health Magazine sat down with Patrick van der Loo, Pfizer's newly appointed Regional President for Africa and the Middle East (AfME) region, to discuss this recent announcement and the company's vaccine plans for the region.

Patrick's Pfizer experience spans more than 20 years in leadership roles with multiple successes across geographies. He will lead the commercial operations to bring scientific breakthroughs in vaccines, oncology, and rare diseases to serve patients better in his new role. He said: "We are in a great period of transformation in Africa and the Middle East, and so for me, it's a great honour to have been elected as the regional president for this region at this pivotal point in time." Excerpts: