Pfizer announced it’s second deal with the U.S. government in which they will provide an additional 100 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine, along with orders for another vaccine made by Moderna. The additional 100 million doses will cost the government $1.95 billion.
Under its new deal, Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech will provide an additional 70 million doses by the end of June and another 30 million by the end of July. Pfizer’s vaccine was previously given an Emergency Use Authorization distinction from the Food and Drug Administration as it’s effectiveness continues to be studied to determine how well it works under real-world conditions. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said in a statement,
“This new federal purchase can give Americans even more confidence that we will have enough supply to vaccinate every American who wants it by June 2021.”
Earlier this month, Pfizer’s vaccine was among the first to get approved for widespread use in the U.S. Individuals who will receive priority vaccination include health care workers and nursing home residents. In moderation, more Americans will have access to the free vaccines, which have been shown to be highly effective in clinical studies undertaken so far.
H/T: Complex
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