"US COVID-19 Vaccine Surplus Estimated to Be at Least 300 Million Doses by July"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The Washington Post (WP) reported on the 15th (local time) that there is a growing call for the surplus COVID-19 vaccines in the United States, estimated to be at least 300 million doses, to be shared with other countries.

According to the report, the Duke University Center for Global Health Innovation stated in a report released that day that based on the emergency use authorization of the AstraZeneca vaccine in the U.S. and the widespread use of the Janssen vaccine, which is currently temporarily suspended, the surplus vaccines the U.S. will have secured by the end of July could amount to at least 300 million doses.

The Center for Global Health Innovation argued in the report that "U.S. leadership is crucial for safe, effective, and equitable international access to COVID-19 vaccines," urging the U.S. government to increase funding for vaccine-sharing programs and donate surplus vaccines. It also pointed out that if the current trend of COVID-19 vaccine distribution continues, 92 poor countries worldwide may not reach a vaccination rate of 60% of their population by 2023.

According to the report, even considering support from the international vaccine procurement and distribution project 'COVAX Facility,' the COVID-19 vaccination rate in 92 impoverished countries is expected to be about 25% this year. The report was authored by former U.S. officials including Mark McClellan, who served as the head of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) during former President George W. Bush's administration.

WP also reported that the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) supports the U.S. donating 10% of the surplus COVID-19 vaccines this summer.

Earlier, President Biden said in a speech on the 10th of last month regarding COVID-19 vaccines, "If we have surplus, we will share it with the world."

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