US unveils plan to share 55 million coronavirus vaccine doses globally

US unveils plan to share 55 million coronavirus vaccine doses globally

WASHINGTON “” The United States on Monday announced a plan to distribute the remaining 55 million of the 80 million COVID-19 vaccine doses that President Joe Biden has pledged to allocate by the end of this month. For all 80 million doses the administration has pledged to share, the White House has said 75% will be shared through the global vaccination program called COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access, or COVAX, and 25 percent will be shared directly with countries in need. Earlier this month, the administration announced its distribution plan for the first 25 million doses. "Our goals are to increase global COVID-19 vaccination coverage, prepare for surges and prioritize healthcare workers and other vulnerable populations based on public health data and acknowledged best practice, and help our neighbors and other countries in need," the White House said in a statement. "And, as we have previously stated, the United States will not use its vaccines to secure favors from other countries." Approximately 41 million of this second tranche of 55 million doses will be shared through COVAX, according to the White House. Of those COVAX doses, approximately 14 million will be distributed in Latin America and the Caribbean “” specifically to