Worsening Vaccine Shortage Spurs Self-Help Measures... "Exploring All Means"
Pfizer Expresses Reluctance... "Health Authorities' Approval Required"
[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The state of New York in the United States has proposed to Pfizer, the vaccine manufacturer, to establish a direct vaccine sales contract without going through the federal government in order to overcome the shortage of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine. As confusion within the federal government continues ahead of the administration transition, other states facing emergencies in securing vaccine supplies are also expected to show similar movements. Pfizer has expressed reluctance, stating that approval from U.S. health authorities is required.
According to foreign media such as CNBC, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo sent a letter to Albert Bourla, CEO of Pfizer, on the 18th (local time), expressing his desire to purchase Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine directly. In the letter, Governor Cuomo stated, "Pfizer is not a company supported by the 'Operation Warp Speed' like Moderna, so it should be able to sell vaccines directly to state governments bypassing the federal government," and added, "Pfizer has become a special entity that can help us save lives in New York," requesting direct sales.
Governor Cuomo said, "The vaccine allocation received this week was 250,000 doses, which is 50,000 fewer than the previous week," and added, "At the current pace, it will take seven months to vaccinate all eligible residents." He emphasized, "It is my duty to explore all possible means."
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer also announced plans to pursue a direct vaccine purchase contract with Pfizer, and U.S. local governments are expected to rush to propose direct contracts. The reason U.S. state governments are trying to buy vaccines directly from pharmaceutical companies is analyzed to be due to nationwide difficulties in vaccine distribution through the federal government. Initially, the Trump administration expected that 20 million Americans would be vaccinated by the end of last year, but according to statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only about 12 million doses have been administered as of this day.
Meanwhile, Pfizer has expressed reluctance to these direct contract requests from local governments. In a statement released on the same day, Pfizer said, "We can only consider such proposals if direct sales to state governments are permitted based on the emergency use authorization from the Department of Health and Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)," indicating refusal.
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