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Pfizer Inc.

US Adds Second COVID-19 Vaccine to Arsenal in Efforts to Combat Outbreak

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The United States has added a second COVID-19 vaccine to its arsenal, with the Food and Drug Administration authorizing an emergency rollout of the vaccine developed by Moderna Inc. and the National Institutes of Health. This move marks the world's first authorization for Moderna's shots and comes as the nation is regularly recording over 3,000 deaths a day due to the outbreak. The new vaccine will arrive in the country on Monday and is expected to join the already authorized Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in the fight against the virus. The two vaccines have shown promising results in early studies, appearing safe and strongly protective, with Moderna's shots being easier to handle since they don't require ultra-frozen storage. This development brings a glimmer of hope in the midst of a devastating pandemic that has claimed over 312,000 US lives and 1.7 million worldwide.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US has authorized a second COVID-19 vaccine developed by Moderna Inc. and the National Institutes of Health, with the first doses set to arrive on Monday.
  • The Moderna vaccine is very similar to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which has already been dispensed to millions of healthcare workers and nursing home residents.
  • Early results of large, unfinished studies show both vaccines appear safe and strongly protective, with Moderna's shots being easier to handle since they don't require ultra-frozen storage.
  • The new vaccine will be available for people 18 and older, while Pfizer's vaccine starts at age 16.
  • Even with additional candidates in the pipeline, there won't be enough vaccines for the general population until spring, and shots will be rationed in the meantime.
  • Authorities worry that the public may need more reassurance to ensure more people get vaccinated when it's their turn.
  • Vice-President Mike Pence and Surgeon General Jerome Adams received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine on live TV Friday to help instill confidence.
  • Moderna has about 5.9 million doses ready for shipment set to begin over the weekend, according to Operation Warp Speed.

Statistics:

  • Over 312,000 US lives have been claimed by COVID-19.
  • The virus has killed 1.7 million people worldwide.
  • The US is recording over 216,000 new cases per day on average.
  • Deaths per day have hit an all-time high, eclipsing 3,600 on Wednesday.
  • California has emerged as one of the most lethal hotspots, with hospitals running out of intensive care beds and ambulances lining up outside emergency rooms.

Sources:

  • The Associated Press, "US Adds Second COVID-19 Vaccine to Arsenal in Efforts to Combat Outbreak"
  • Operation Warp Speed, "Moderna has about 5.9 million doses ready for shipment set to begin over the weekend"
  • The Associated Press, "US Vice-President Mike Pence receives Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine injection at the White House on Friday"

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