The United States has announced plans to share its stock of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines with other countries. This comes amid growing pressure on President Joe Biden’s administration to support global vaccine equity;and waive US intellectual property rules to allow more countries to manufacture vaccines.
The White House revealed;that as many as 60 million AstraZeneca vaccine doses could be available for export in the coming months. However, it did not say where exactly those vaccines would be distributed.
The AstraZeneca vaccine is widely in use around the world but hasn’t yet been authorized;by the US’ Food and Drug Administration.
Addressing the issue, White House COVID-19 coordinator, Jeff Zients noted;that the “US does not need to use AstraZeneca” for months.
“Given the strong portfolio of vaccines that the US already has and those that have been authorized;by;the FDA, and given that the AstraZeneca vaccine is not authorized;for use in the US, we do not need to use the AstraZeneca vaccine here during the next several months.
“Therefore, the US is looking at options to share the AstraZeneca doses with other countries as they become available.”
Authorities say the US has vaccinated;more than 53% of its adult population with at least one dose of its three authorized vaccines;from Pfizer, Moderna and J&J. The country also expects to have enough supply for its entire population by May.
Neighbours, Mexico and Canada have already asked the Biden administration to share more doses, while dozens of other countries are looking to access supplies of the vaccine.
“We’re in the planning process at this point in time,” said White House press secretary, Jen Psaki, when asked where the doses would go at a news conference.
Important and welcomed step towards equitable access
International bodies and aid groups including Doctors Without Borders-USA (MSF-USA) have welcomed the US’ decision to distribute the vaccines.
In a statement, Dr Carrie Teicher, director of programs at MSF-USA noted that “60 million doses will directly protect 30 million people”.
“The US’ decision to donate AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines is an important and welcomed step towards increasing equitable access worldwide. Getting these 60 million doses off the shelves and into arms as soon as possible will directly protect 30 million people from contracting COVID-19.
“But this is only one step the US government should take. The US must now transfer all of its surplus vaccine doses – not just those made by AstraZeneca – to COVAX and boost production globally so more vaccines can be manufactured in more places.”
Tom Hart, acting CEO at The ONE Campaign, also welcomed the news, calling it an “important first step”.
“The Biden administration’s decision to begin sharing AstraZeneca vaccines is welcome news and an important first step towards the US sharing more of its massive vaccine stockpile. The Biden administration should build on this welcome first step and start sharing more vaccines as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, still addressing reporters, White House COVID-19 coordinator, Jeff Zients also gave an update on the US’ aid to India during its Covid crisis.
Zients said the Biden administration was working to satisfy other “key requests” from the Indian government, namely for personal protective equipment, tests, therapeutics and supplies of oxygen and respiratory assistance devices.
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