Pouch: "70-85% of US Population to Be Vaccinated by Next Summer"

In an interview with the US online medical news site 'WebMD', it was revealed that 400 million doses are secured for 200 million Americans

▲Anthony Fauci, Director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the leading authority on infectious diseases in the United States, stated on the 23rd (local time) that if the vaccination plan proceeds smoothly, all American citizens will have immunity against the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) by next summer.

In an interview with the U.S. online medical news site 'WebMD' on the same day, Fauci said, "Currently, high-risk groups such as healthcare workers, nursing home residents, and the elderly should receive vaccinations by March or early April next year," adding, "After that, vaccinations for the general public can begin."

Fauci further added, "In April next year, there will be a vaccine 'open season,' meaning a period when anyone who wants to get vaccinated can do so again."

He predicted, "If we carry out vaccinations properly, by mid to late summer next year, 70-85% of the population will be vaccinated," and "If that happens, a protective umbrella covering the entire country will be formed."

When asked whether people who postponed their weddings to next spring due to the spread of COVID-19 this year will have to postpone them again, Fauci responded, "They will have to do so until June or July."

Meanwhile, in the United States, Moderna vaccinations have started this week following Pfizer, and the U.S. government announced on the same day that it has secured an additional 100 million doses of Pfizer's COVID vaccine, to be supplied by the end of July next year.

Including the previously secured Pfizer and Moderna vaccine supplies, a total of 400 million doses sufficient for 200 million people have been secured.

Health Secretary Alex Azar also stated on the same day, "This additional purchase will instill confidence that we will have enough doses to vaccinate all Americans who want it by June 2021."

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