Samuel Case, FISM News
Today Pfizer is asking the FDA for emergency use authorization for their COVID-19 vaccine. Pfizer estimates it will have 50 million doses available by the end of the year. Moderna will also be seeking EUA within the coming weeks.
The Trump administration is feeling optimistic about distribution. Operation Warp Speed advisor Dr. Moncef Slaoui said “within 24 hours,” of approval “the vaccines will be in the immunization sites” and ready to be administered.
Gen. Gus Perna, chief operating officer of Operation Warp Speed, told Good Morning America roughly 40 million doses will be ready for distribution upon approval. He explained “states are going to tell us exactly where they want it to be…and as soon as they figure out their distribution plan across their states, we will ensure that the vaccine gets there in a timely manner.”
Dr. Anthony Fauci is encouraging diligence among the American people as they wait for the vaccine. Fauci said “We need to actually double down on the public health measures as we’re waiting for that help to come.”
It is expected the initial vaccines will be prioritized for healthcare workers, the elderly, and those with underlying conditions that make them particularly vulnerable to the virus.