The Biden administration’s health officials announced they are planning to spend $3.2 billion on 105 million doses of Pfizer’s two-dose, mRNA vaccine.
With this agreement, the U.S. government is given the option to purchase up to 195 million more doses if needed.
“As the virus evolves, this new agreement will help ensure people across the country have access to vaccines that may provide protection against current and future variants,” said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Pfizer, Albert Bourla.
“Vaccines have been and will remain critical to protecting people of all ages against COVID-19. We remain proud of our long-term partnership with the U.S. government in helping to address this pandemic, and of the ongoing impact of vaccination efforts in the U.S. and around the world,” Bourla said of the agreement between Pfizer and the U.S. government.
The billion-dollar plan includes vaccination dosages for adults and children. After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorizes the decision, the vaccinations could be ready by the early Fall.
The FDA is expected to come to a decision on the shots’ authorization by next Tuesday. The large purchase’s funding will come from money reallocated out of previous COVID-19 relief packages.
The U.S. Congress is currently at a stalemate debating whether or not to approve giving the Biden administration more funding for vaccines, tests, and drugs to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conservative social media users expressed dissatisfaction following the vaccine purchase announcement. “Profits for the corporations Lining pockets for politicians Deadly side effects for you all It’s a win-win-win combination… right,” one Twitter user commented.
Blaze TV host Sara Gonzalez slammed the Biden administration over the decision. “Our government continues their crimes against humanity with your tax dollars,” Gonzalez said.
Our government continues their crimes against humanity with your tax dollars. https://t.co/sItwFMDwAs
— Sara Gonzales (@SaraGonzalesTX) June 30, 2022
“Vaccines have been a game-changer in our fight against COVID-19, allowing people to return to normal activities knowing that vaccines protect from severe illness,” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a news release.
“The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to doing everything we can to continue to make vaccines free and widely available to Americans — and this is an important first step to preparing us for the fall,” Becerra added.
