Biden Likely to Exceed Goal of 100 Million Vaccine Doses Within 100 Days of Inauguration

President Joe Biden of the United States [Image source= AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] "I will achieve 100 million vaccine doses administered within 100 days of taking office."

U.S. President Joe Biden said this on December 8 last year, ahead of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of the COVID-19 vaccine. It was a statement emphasizing Biden's strong commitment to actively respond to COVID-19.

AP News reported on the 21st (local time) that 45 million vaccine doses had been administered within one month after President Biden took office, and that the Biden administration is expected to exceed its goal.

In the United States, vaccinations began last month, and so far 75 million vaccine doses have been supplied, of which 63 million doses have been administered. Since President Biden took office, 45 million doses have been administered. AP reported that an additional 145 million doses are expected to be supplied by April 29, the 100th day of Biden's presidency. AP also expects an additional 200 million doses by the end of May and another 200 million doses by the end of July.

Last week, the average daily vaccination rate in the U.S. reached 1.7 million doses. There is growing optimism that the number of vaccinations could double in the future.

This is because the FDA, after approving the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines in December last year, is expected to approve the use of Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine this week.

Unlike previous vaccines, J&J announced that its product provides preventive effects with just one dose. On the 19th, J&J confirmed positive results from clinical trials, reporting 66% effectiveness in prevention, 85% effectiveness in preventing severe cases, and no side effects. J&J plans to supply 100 million doses of its vaccine in the U.S. by the end of June and expects to supply 1 billion doses worldwide by the end of the year.

On the 22nd, President Biden visited the Pfizer vaccine manufacturing plant in Portage, Michigan. Pfizer plans to double its vaccine supply within weeks.

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