(Our Bureau, June 4) The Joe Biden-led US government is set to send 25 million vaccine shots it could have used at home to the rest of the world — a first since the pandemic began. Seven million doses are earmarked for India and rest of Asia while Latin America and Africa will receive six million and five million doses respectively, the White House said in a statement. Indian Express estimates that New Delhi will get about two to three million shots in the first tranche — a day’s supply for India. More importantly, the move is expected to ease the supply of raw materials for vaccine manufacturers such as the Pune-based Serum Institute of India.
“We are sharing these doses not to secure favors or extract concessions. We are sharing these vaccines to save lives and to lead the world in bringing an end to the pandemic, with the power of our example and with our values,” President Joe Biden said.
The US’ stockpile has vaccines made by Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson.
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