Biden to push for immediate release of available COVID-19 vaccine doses
Biden will move to release more doses of the COVID-19 vaccine when he takes office, a departure from the country's current procedure of withholding 50% of the supply to ensure second doses of the two-shot vaccine are available, a transition official said Friday.
“He supports releasing available doses immediately, and believes the government should stop holding back vaccine supply so we can get more shots in Americans' arms now. He will share additional details next week on how his Administration will begin releasing available doses when he assumes office on January 20th,” Biden spokesperson TJ Ducklo said in a statement.
A transition official told ABC News they have faith manufacturers can produce enough vaccines to ensure people can get their second doses in a timely manner, while also getting more people their first doses.
The official also noted the Biden administration has long pledged to use the Defense Production Act as needed to help produce materials to ensure supply.
-ABC News' Molly Nagle and Anne Flaherty