Biden: "We Will Send COVID Vaccines Abroad, But Not Confident Right Now" (Update)

Korean Pfizer and Moderna Vaccine Swap Likely Not Easy

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] U.S. President Joe Biden is considering ways to utilize unused COVID-19 vaccines but stated that it is difficult to send them overseas at this time. This suggests that the vaccine swap negotiations with the United States, which the Korean government is pursuing, will not be easy.

On the 21st (local time), after announcing in a speech that the goal of administering 200 million vaccine doses within 100 days of his inauguration was achieved ahead of schedule, President Biden was about to leave when he responded to a reporter's question with this statement.

He said, "We are reviewing what to do with the unused and stockpiled vaccines. We need to ensure it is safe to send them overseas."

President Biden also added, "I am not confident that we can send (the vaccines) overseas right now, but I expect that will be possible in the future."

He mentioned, "There are countries, such as those in Central America, where the U.S. thinks it can help supply vaccines."

Korea is also expecting vaccine supplies from the U.S. On the same day, Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong said at a Kwanhoon Club debate held at the Seoul Press Center, "We are negotiating a vaccine swap with the United States, but they have stated that there is no surplus."

President Biden also revealed that he spoke with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for about 30 minutes that day, saying, "They want it, so we can help a little more." The U.S. has promised to supply vaccines to Canada.