[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Rochelle Walensky, Director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pointed out that "the government does not even know how many COVID-19 vaccines it has." As the first CDC director under the Joe Biden administration, she criticized the previous administration's mistakes.
On the 24th (local time), in an interview with Fox News, Director Walensky stated, "We are in a situation where we cannot inform each governor and state health authority about the current vaccine inventory."
President Biden announced a goal to complete vaccination for 100 million people within 100 days of taking office. However, there are forecasts that this goal may be difficult to achieve due to vaccine shortages and other issues.
She emphasized, "If we cannot ascertain the amount of vaccine secured next week and the week after, we will not be able to establish a proper vaccination plan," adding, "This is a challenge the new administration must address."
Director Walensky said, "We need to accelerate the vaccination rate, but there is a shortage of supply," and added, "Production will increase only after the 100-day mark of the administration." She also mentioned, "The Janssen vaccine, expected to receive emergency use authorization next month, can alleviate the supply shortage issue," and expressed hope that "more vaccines will become available to enable rapid vaccination."
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