For several weeks, the United States had been castigated for refusing to export the AstraZeneca vaccine, which is not yet authorized in the country.

They want to make amends and have decided to provide other countries with 60 million doses of AstraZeneca's vaccine "as they become available," tweeted Andy Slavitt, White House adviser on the fight. against Covid-19.

Andy Slavitt announces export of millions of doses of AstraZeneca

BREAKING: US to release 60 million Astra Zeneca doses to other countries as they become available.

- Andy Slavitt (@ aslavitt46) April 26, 2021

Criticism against the United States, accused of accumulating doses without using them, had intensified in recent days.

Andy Slavitt swept them away.

"At present, there are still very few available. No time has really been wasted," he said.

"Before the doses of AstraZeneca are shipped from the United States, the United States Medicines Agency (FDA) will confirm that these doses meet quality requirements," White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said. .

A calendar being planned

The executive is still "planning" for this measure, said Jen Psaki, promising details "in the near future" on who will benefit from these vaccines.

Regarding the schedule, this step could take place "in the coming weeks" for "about 10 million doses," a senior government official told reporters.

In addition, approximately "50 million additional doses are at different stages of production, and they could be finalized by stage during the months of May and June", the same source.

"We do not need to use the AstraZeneca vaccine here (in the United States) for the next few months," said the senior official.

Washington had already announced agreements to send 2.5 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine to Mexico, and 1.5 million to Canada.

No confirmation for India

Three Covid-19 vaccines are authorized by US health authorities - those from Pfizer / BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson - and the country plans to have enough doses to vaccinate all American adults with these three remedies.

On Monday, in a telephone exchange, US President Joe Biden promised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi "unwavering support" from the United States.

“India has been there for us, and we will be there for them,” he later tweeted.

Joe Biden spoke with India

Just as India sent assistance to the United States as our hospitals were strained early in the pandemic, we are determined to help India in its time of need.

https://t.co/SzWRj0eP3y

- President Biden (@POTUS) April 25, 2021

Mr. Modi, who thanked him, for his part insisted on the issue of access to vaccines for developing countries, according to the report of the appeal published by his services.

However, no delivery commitment to this country specifically has been made for the moment.

The United States has pledged emergency aid to India, including components for the production of vaccines, protective equipment, rapid diagnostic tests, and respirators.

They are also investigating the possibility of sending in oxygen supplies.

With AFP

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