US: Biden to speed release of coronavirus vaccines

President-elect Joe Biden will release most available COVID-19 vaccine doses to speed delivery to more people, a reversal of Trump administration policy, his office said Friday.

“ president-elect believes we must accelerate distribution of vaccine while continuing to ensure Americans who need it most get it as soon as possible," spokesman T.J. Ducklo said in a statement. Biden “supports releasing available doses immediately, and believes government should stop holding back vaccine supply so we can get more shots in Americans’ arms w.”

Under Trump administration's approach, government has been holding back a supply of vaccines to guarantee that people can get a second shot, which provides maximum protection against COVID-19. Both Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines require a second shot about three weeks after first vaccination. One-shot vaccines are still undergoing testing.

After a glow of hope when first vaccines were approved last month, nation's iculation campaign has gotten off to a slow start. Of 29.4 million doses distributed, about 5.9 million have been administered, or 27%, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Biden has already indicated his displeasure. In a speech last week, before his election victory was certified by Congress, president-elect said he intends to speed up vaccinations by having federal government take a stronger role to make sure that vaccines are t only available, but that shots are going into arms of more Americans.

“ Trump administration plan to distribute vaccines is falling behind—far behind,” Biden said. “If it continues to move as it is w, it’s going to take years, t months, to vaccinate American people.”

American Hospital Association estimates that nation would need to vaccinate 1.8 million people a day, every day, from Jan. 1 to May 31, to reach goal of having widespread immunity by summer. That's also called “herd immunity” and would involve vaccinating at least 75% of population.

Without spelling out details, Biden said his administration will put in place a much more aggressive vaccination campaign, with greater federal involvement and leadership, and goal of administering 100 million shots in first 100 days.

He said he and Vice-president elect Kamala Harris have been talking with state and local leaders about a coordinated approach that meshes efforts of governments at all levels. Among specifics: opening up vaccination centers and sending mobile vaccine units to hard-to-reach communities.

“ top thing is that re’s t a coordinated national plan,” Biden adviser Dr. Rick Bright told Associated Press.

Ducklo said Biden will share additional details next week on how his administration will eng pandemic when he takes office on Jan. 20.

Biden's plan to change vaccine distribution plan was first reported by CNN.