Trump doesn't always make bad decisions out of venality and self-interest. Sometimes, apparently, he makes them because he's thick as a brick.
That seems the only possible explanation for the decision the administration made back in August, when Pfizer's COVID19 vaccine trials were in long-term trials, to pass up the opportunity to buy more vaccine doses when Pfizer offered them. The administration opted to stick to 100 million doses -- that is, treatment for 50 million Americans.
Pfizer then went on to negotiate deals with other countries. Britain, Australia and the European Union got their orders in. The EU signed for 200 million doses, with a contract to add 100 million to that total if necessary. The U.S. may not be able to get any more doses until next June!
On Tuesday, when Britain begins its vaccination program, Trump is planning to sign an executive order that, in draft form, says it's intended “to ensure that the United States government prioritizes getting the vaccine to American citizens before sending it to other nations.” It's a clear attempt to boondoggle his faithful fans.
So much for protecting America's economy from COVID19.
Other vaccines are in the pipeline. Moderna's, for example, is said to have around 98% effectiveness, and the requirements for transporting and using it are reportedly less strenuous than those for Pfizer's. Let's hope that the administration hasn't already bungled up that vaccine contract too.
Pfizer's vaccine IS ready, and it will probably be FDA-approved for emergency use within days.
How many people will die because of the time required to get the second-to-market vaccine instead?
Why did the administration turn down Pfizer’s offer?
Why did Trump sign that executive order now?
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