Timeline of Covid-19 vaccine deals reveals EU's lag behind UK

The pattern of Britain investing aggressively and early while the EU takes a slower, more cautious approach has been the hallmark of the vaccine race in Europe.

While Britain was quick and aggressive in negotiating vaccine deals early in the coronavirus pandemic, the European Union took a more cautious approach that is now hindering its efforts to fight the virus.

Police stand by the entrance of a nursing home as a box of some of the first Pfizer coronavirus vaccines arrives in Madrid, Spain. (File Photo / AP)

Here’s a look at when key vaccine deals were first announced:

Oxford-AstraZeneca

Britain: May 25, 2020 for up to 100 million doses, announced by AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot.

EU: Aug. 27, for up to 400 million doses.

Pfizer-BioNTech

Britain: July 20, for 30 million doses.

EU: Nov. 11, for up to 300 million doses.

Sanofi-Glaxosmithkline

Britain: July 29, for 60 million doses.

EU: Sept. 18, for up to 300 million doses.

Johnson & Johnson

Britain: Aug. 14, for 30 million doses.

EU: Oct. 8, for up to 400 million doses.

Novavax

Britain: Aug. 14, for 60 million doses.

EU: No contract announced to date. On Dec. 17, concluded exploratory talks on up to 200 million doses.

Valneva

Britain: Sept. 14, agreement for up to 190 million doses; on Feb. 1, 2021, deal sealed for another 40 million.

EU: No contract signed to date. On Jan. 12, 2021, concluded exploratory talks on up to 60 million doses.

Moderna

Britain: Nov. 16, for 5 million doses; on Nov. 29, a contract for 2 million more.

EU: Nov. 25, for up to 160 million doses.

Curevac

EU: Nov. 17, for up to 405 million doses.

Britain: Feb. 5, 2021 for up to 50 million doses.