Although distribution of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine has begun in the United States, Democrats are criticizing reports that the White House failed to pre-order more doses of the vaccine when it had the opportunity and are pressing for more transparent pandemic planning.
News broke last week in the New York Times and other sources that the Trump Administration declined to purchase additional doses of Pfizer’s COVID-19 when given a chance. Democrats in the senate wrote to Dr. Moncef Slaoui, chief advisor of Operation Warp Speed (OWS), and General Gustave Perna, COO of OWS, with fears that this latest move could hinder a currently underway nationwide vaccination program.
The situation has been exacerbated by the fact that the U.S. will now, reportedly, be unable to purchase additional doses of the vaccine until it has filled its obligations to other countries.
“We are concerned the failure to secure an adequate supply of vaccines will needlessly prolong the COVID-19 pandemic in this country, causing further loss of life and economic devastation. We fear this is yet another instance in which the Trump Administration’s failure to develop a comprehensive national vaccines plan in a timely manner could jeopardize efforts to get people vaccinated and ultimately end this pandemic,” the senators wrote.
The Pfizer vaccine received emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last week and promptly began distribution on December 14. Under the current agreement with the government, 100 million doses will be delivered in all. In contrast, the European Union has purchased up to 300 million doses and Canada up to 76 million doses.
To date, the U.S. has borne more than 16.5 million cases of the disease, and more than 300,000 have died as a result. Last week, daily COVID-19 deaths reached their highest point yet, at more than 3,200.
“If we do not have sufficient vaccines purchased, there will soon be nothing to distribute,” the senators wrote. “Reports last week indicate the U.S. may face a “vaccine cliff” this spring, due to the Trump Administration’s failure to purchase sufficient doses of vaccine.”
Signees included U.S. Sens. Patty Murray (D-WA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and 16 of their colleagues. Beyond blasting the administration’s perceived failures, they also encourage greater transparency in the future.
“To earn public confidence, demonstrate accountability, and ensure the incoming Biden Administration has the information it needs to hit the ground running in getting our COVID-19 response on track, the Administration must be more transparent about its preparations, as well as how much funding is available, and is needed, to purchase, distribute, and administer sufficient vaccine to end this pandemic,” the senators wrote.