Deepening Vaccine Nationalism
US Launches 'Booster Shot' Third Dose
India Halts Exports Amid Second Wave
Anthony Fauci, Director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases [Photo by Reuters]
[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] As the global death toll from COVID-19 surpasses 3 million, concerns over vaccine supply shortages are growing. The United States has started administering third doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, while India, known as the "world's vaccine factory," has temporarily halted exports to prioritize responding to its second major domestic outbreak.
On the 18th (local time), Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, stated in an interview with NBC News that "the decision on whether booster shots (additional doses to enhance vaccine effectiveness) are necessary will be made around late summer or early fall."
With the duration of COVID-19 vaccine efficacy still unconfirmed, voices in the U.S. are calling for annual additional vaccinations even for those fully vaccinated. If the U.S., which monopolizes a significant portion of the global vaccine supply, proceeds with third doses, it is expected that vaccine procurement will become more difficult for countries worldwide, including South Korea.
Regarding the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine, which has been under scrutiny for blood clot side effects along with the AstraZeneca vaccine, Dr. Fauci said, "There may be restrictions or warnings," adding, "We will know the answer by the 23rd." According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on that day, 129,988,985 people, or 50.4% of the population aged 18 and over, have received at least one dose of the vaccine. Half of the U.S. adult population has been vaccinated against COVID-19.
India, the world's largest vaccine producer, has also postponed supply schedules to over 180 low-income countries and others to prioritize domestic supply. According to British daily The Guardian and others, the Serum Institute of India (SII), the world's largest vaccine manufacturer, has temporarily suspended exports to COVAX (the international vaccine procurement project) since mid-last month. An anonymous official stated, "There will be no exports until India's situation stabilizes."
To make matters worse, the vaccines India had stockpiled for its citizens have run out. India has recorded daily new cases at historic highs, with one million new cases added in one week. At least five state governments have appealed for vaccine shortages, demanding federal government intervention. CNN reported, "The Indian government and SII are shifting their focus from COVAX to supplying vaccines to their own citizens."
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