Pfizer CEO Explains Why He Hasn't Received COVID-19 Vaccine Yet: "I Don't Want to Cut in Line"

"Strict Regulations in Place, Caution to Follow Order"
Expressing Willingness for Public Vaccination to Expand Vaccine Trust

Albert Bourla, CEO of Pfizer [Photo by AP]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Albert Bourla, CEO of Pfizer, the developer of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine that began administration in the United States on the 14th (local time), stated that he and other executives have not yet been vaccinated. This is to avoid jumping the line as vaccination is set to start with healthcare workers and nursing home residents.

On the same day, Bourla appeared on CNBC and CNN, saying, "We have an ethics committee discussing who should receive the vaccine first, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has agreed that healthcare workers, nursing home residents, and staff are the priority groups," adding, "I have not been vaccinated yet because I do not want to appear as if I am cutting in line."

Bourla emphasized, "We are careful not to break the order and get vaccinated first, keeping in mind the strict regulations of the CDC," and stressed that not only he but all executives will adhere to the order. He further explained that he is 59 years old and relatively healthy, so it would be inappropriate to get vaccinated before those who need it more.

However, Bourla expressed that to increase public trust in the vaccine, he is willing to be vaccinated publicly. Referring to Pfizer's survey results, he said, "If the Pfizer CEO gets vaccinated, public confidence in the vaccine's safety will increase." Additionally, he urged people to trust science and get vaccinated at the appropriate time based on age and occupation, stating, "This vaccine was developed following all procedures by a company with 171 years of certification."

In the United States, vaccination began on the 14th after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the emergency use of Pfizer's vaccine on the 11th. The first vaccine recipient was Sandra Lindsay (52), a nurse working at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in Queens, New York City, who received the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in her arm at around 9:30 a.m. on the 14th.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.