If the operation to vaccinate the population in the United States goes smoothly, the country could achieve a high level of immunity by next summer, American immunologist Anthony Fauci said Wednesday, December 23.
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By the middle or the end of the summer I think we will have, if we do it right, (...) 70 to 85% of the population that will be vaccinated,
" said Dr Fauci, figure highly respected in the United States in the fight against Covid-19, in an interview with WebMD.
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When that happens, there will be a protective umbrella over the whole country,
" he said.
According to the expert, priority populations, such as residents of retirement homes, caregivers, essential workers, or people at risk should receive an injection of the vaccine by March to early April.
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We could start in April what I call 'the open season' for vaccinations, that is to say that any person who wants to be vaccinated can be,
" said the former adviser of the White House on the coronavirus, who will resume his post after the inauguration of Joe Biden.
The immunologist also hinted that marriages in the United States could potentially resume normally by June or July 2021. Dr. Fauci's statements come on the day the Pentagon announced the purchase of 100 million doses. additional Covid-19 vaccine developed by US companies Pfizer and BioNTech, which will be delivered by July to the United States.
This new order brings US orders to 400 million doses - half coming from Pfizer and the other from Moderna - which will allow 200 million people to be immunized, these two vaccines requiring two injections one month apart.
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Under the terms of the agreement, Pfizer will deliver at least 70 million doses by June 30, 2021, with the remainder to be delivered by July 31 at the latest,
" the Defense Ministry said in a statement.
The deal also gives the US government the option to purchase an additional 400 million doses of Pfizer's vaccine, the Pentagon added, as President Donald Trump's administration has been accused of passing up the opportunity to secure quantities. important vaccine.
The United States hopes to immunize 20 million people this month, prioritizing healthcare workers and residents of nursing homes.