President Biden stated a few weeks ago that everyone that wanted a vaccine would have it by July 2021. He has now revised his statement moving that date up to May 2021.
This statement is supported by the Biden Administration implementing the Defense Production Act, which supports the production of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine with the help of Mercks pharmaceutical company.
As a result, emergency use authorization was granted from the Food and Drug Administration over the weekend.
President Biden coupled his statement with the need to re-open public schools and prioritize teachers getting the vaccine to help facilitate that re-opening.
He is “using the full authority of the federal government” to guide states in their vaccine prioritization plans of moving teachers up “in line” for the shot.
“As yet another move to help accelerate the safe reopening of schools, let’s treat in-person learning like an essential service that it is. And that means getting essential workers who provide that service — educators, school staff, child care workers — get them vaccinated immediately.
They’re essential workers,” the president said.
The increased supply of the vaccine will begin next week with shipments going to pharmacies as well as medical facilities. “What a tremendous relief to have a president who is meeting this moment of crisis.