Biden boosts US vaccine stockpile as world waits

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden on Wednesday directed his administration to order another 100 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine, growing a likely U.S. surplus of doses later this year while much of the rest of the world struggles with deep shortages.

Even before Wednesday's order, the U.S. was to have enough approved vaccine delivered by mid-May to cover every adult and enough for 400 million people total by the end of July. Enough doses to cover 200 million more people are on order should vaccines from AstraZeneca and Novavax receive approval from the Food and Drug Administration. The new J&J doses, which would cover another 100 million people, are expected to be delivered in the latter half of the year.

White House aides said Biden's first priority is ensuring that Americans are vaccinated before considering distributing doses elsewhere.

https://www.startribune.com/biden-boosts-us-vaccine-stockpile-as-world-waits/600032669/