May 17, 2021 – The United States will send at least 20 million doses of US-approved COVID-19 vaccines overseas by the end of June, President Joe Biden announced on Monday.
“For the past 118 days, our vaccination program has led the world, and today we are taking an extra step to help the world,” he said at a news conference. “We know America will never be completely safe until the raging global pandemic is under control.”
His administration will ship 20 million doses of the Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, in addition to the 60 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine already earmarked for shipping to other countries.
“No ocean is wide enough, no wall is high enough to protect us,” said Biden. “Rampant illnesses and deaths in other countries can destabilize these countries and also pose a risk to us.”
He said this move will help prevent new variants from emerging around the world and finding their way across US borders.
“We need to help fight the disease around the world so we can be safe here at home and do the right thing to help other people,” said Biden. “It is the right thing. It is the smart thing to do. It’s the strong thing to do. “
The AstraZeneca cans are still awaiting FDA approval before they can be shipped.
“This is the highest dose any country in the world has donated five times,” said Jen Psaki, White House press secretary, during a press conference on Monday. “This will bring 80 million cans into the world by the end of June.”
The announcement comes just a week after the FDA approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents ages 12-15. The expectation of federal approval sparked an ethical debate among medical professionals: should these doses set for American teenagers go overseas instead?
According to Biden, it’s not an either-or situation.
“The United States has secured enough supplies for all eligible Americans, all Americans 12 and older,” he said.
COVID cases are declining in all 50 states, Biden said. The CDC revised its guidelines last week, stating that vaccinated residents will no longer need to wear masks indoors or outdoors in most settings. The ones at risk now are the ones who haven’t been vaccinated, he said.
“Given that the vaccine is convenient and free, it would be an unnecessary tragedy to see cases among the unvaccinated,” he said.
Biden also announced a tax cut for American families: Starting July 15, people with children 6 and under will receive payments of $ 300 per month and those with children over 6 years of age will receive up to $ 250 per month.
“This tax cut sends a clear and strong message to American families with children: aid is on the way,” he said.
By now, 60% of Americans have received at least one vaccine. COVID-related deaths have decreased by more than 80%, and the government is targeting 70% of the US to be at least partially vaccinated by July 4th.
“Every day the light at the end of this tunnel is getting brighter,” said Biden. “Progress is undeniable, but we’re not done yet.”
WebMD Health News
swell
Press conference at the White House, May 17, 2021,
President Joe Biden, press conference, May 17, 2021.
© 2021 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
Comments are closed.