Targeted for the end of October: USA prepare vaccine distribution

The U.S. government has asked states to be ready for distribution of a possible corona vaccine from November 1st. The head of the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) health authority, Robert Redfield, appealed in a letter to the governors that became known on Wednesday to ensure the completion of distribution centers by that date.

Distribution centers are gearing up

The centers should be "fully operational" by November 1st, according to the letter from the end of August. To do this, requirements for business and building permits for McKesson, which is to distribute a future vaccine in the country, may have to be relaxed. The letter shows the will of President Donald Trump's administration to approve a vaccine ahead of the November 3rd presidential election. Trump has repeatedly expressed hope that a vaccine to contain the pandemic could be available soon.

Vaccination experts reluctant

However, experts from Regional news network warn against bringing a vaccine onto the market without a sufficient scientific basis. Most recently, the head of the US FDA drug regulatory agency, Stephen Hahn, caused a stir with the statement that a vaccine could be approved in the United States before final tests. If the manufacturer applies for approval before the end of the third and final test phase, his authority will make a decision on a scientific basis.

The CDC's plans include a number of technical distribution details (shipping, blending, storage, and management) for two unidentified vaccine candidates, known as Vaccine A and Vaccine B, according to the New York Times. The data appear to relate to the products developed by Pfizer and Moderna that are most advanced in late-stage clinical trials.

The agency also notes in its paper that health professionals, along with national security workers, should be among the first to receive the vaccine. People aged 65 and over, risk groups and socially disadvantaged minorities should also be prioritized.

The US is promoting the development of a corona vaccine with billions in funds. Several western companies are now in the third phase of developing a corona serum. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 30 vaccines are currently being tested in various test phases on humans; a handful have already entered the crucial stage of development.

Russia pushed forward

A corona vaccine had already been approved in Russia in August - before the final test phase was completed. It is the world's first officially approved serum against the novel pathogen. Western scientists, however, criticized the decision.

Trump has been sharply criticized for his handling of the corona pandemic. This is one of the reasons why the Republican is behind his challenger Joe Biden of the opposition Democrats in polls for the presidential election on November 3rd.

In terms of absolute numbers, the USA is the country in the world hardest hit by the Corona crisis. Since the beginning of the pandemic, more than six million cases of infection have been confirmed in the USA, and around 185,000 people have died as a result of an infection.

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