The United States is distributing 60 million doses of the vaccine to others
KATHMANDU: TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2021 – The United States has announced that it will distribute the COVID vaccine AstraZeneca to other countries after its Food and Drug regulators completed a safety assessment.
According to a White House statement, it will be able to export about 60 million vaccines in a few months. Although the AstraZeneca vaccine is being used around the world, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet approved the vaccine.
The decision comes amid criticism that the United States has stockpiled vaccines. President Biden’s chief medical adviser said the United States was not sure if it would use the AstraZeneca vaccine. Neighboring Canada and Mexico, as well as dozens of other countries, are requesting access to US supplies.
Last month, President Joe Biden promised to vaccinate 4 million people in Mexico and Canada. Both countries have approved the use of AstraZeneca. The vaccine is in stock in the United States, even though the FDA has not approved it.
On Monday, the White House said it would distribute about 10 million doses of the vaccine in the coming weeks if the FDA allows it. In addition, another 50 million vaccines are being produced at different stages. Speaking at the press conference, White House spokeswoman Jane Sackie said FDA officials would only test the quality of the vaccines for export.
“Our team will explain more about our plans and who will be vaccinated later. Now we are in the planning stage, ‘she said. Meanwhile, the United States has decided to immediately provide raw materials to Indian vaccine manufacturers.
In a telephone conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, President Biden promised more emergency assistance, the White House said. Such assistance includes oxygen supplies, vaccines, and medicines. –BBC