WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden announced on Monday his administration will share millions of Covid-19 vaccines with other countries in addition to the AstraZeneca vaccine.
Speaking at the White House, Biden confirmed 20 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines will sent out by the end of next month, making the total number at 80 million doses that will be sent overseas. Other doses include Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines.
“We need to help fight the disease around the world to keep us safe here at home and to do the right thing helping other people. It’s the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do, it’s the strong thing to do,” Biden said.
The President added: “We want to lead the world with our values, with this demonstration of our innovation and ingenuity, and the fundamental decency of the American people.”
Biden also revealed White House Covid-19 response coordinator Jeff Zients will be put in charge of this effort and will be working with the National Security Council and State Department.
The President said the United States is committing to sharing five times more than any other country.
“Just as in World War II, America was the arsenal of democracy in the battle against Covid-19 pandemic, our nation is going to be the arsenal of vaccines for the rest of the world,” Biden said.
With more of the country getting vaccinated, the Biden administration is helping other nations get their populations vaccinated as the pandemic gets worse overseas. Biden also pledged $2 billion in funding for other countries as dose delivery targets being met.
As of this writing, 123 million Americans are fully vaccinated and 60 percent of US adults have received at least one dose, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The news comes as the Food and Drug Administration approved the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine for children ages 12 to 15.
