As the November elections approach, the federal government in the US is accelerating its fight against the coronavirus pandemic. In a major breakthrough, the US government has urged states to get ready to distribute a potential covid vaccine by November 1, according to a report published in the local newspaper.
The Trump administration has signed a deal with Dallas-based wholesaler McKesson Corp. to set-up the distribution process of the vaccine once it gets approval who will be requesting permission for the same from the concerned authorities.
The Wall Street Journal quoted a letter from Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, saying: “CDC urgently requests your assistance in expediting applications for these distribution facilities,” adding, “if necessary, asks that you consider waiving requirements that would prevent these facilities from becoming fully operational by Nov. 1, 2020.”
The CDC has sent three planning documents to some health departments that include estimated timelines for the availability of the vaccine. The documents would be used to develop plans for early vaccination process. According to one document, the vaccine will be made available for the public use as soon as the end of October.
Another document stated that limited Covid-19 vaccine doses may be available by early November and the supply would be increased in 2021.
The precocity portrayed by the Trump administration has raised concern among public health experts over the safety assurance of the vaccine. They believe the “October surprise” – a vaccine approval ahead of the presidential elections is driven by political consideration rather than science.
“Being ready is reasonable. Cutting short phase 3 trials before you get the information you need isn’t,” said Dr. Paul Offit, a Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia immunization expert who sits on the FDA’s vaccine advisory committee.
Several health experts also pointed out the fact that the results of final stage trials are still awaited, adding it is impossible to assure the safety of the vaccine doses before November 1.
