Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Pfizer Boosters Still Targeted To Start In 2 Weeks, But Moderna's May Lag
CNBC: Pfizer Covid Booster Shots Will Likely Be Ready Sept. 20, But Moderna May Be Delayed, Fauci Says
The U.S. will likely start to widely distribute Pfizer Covid-19 booster shots during the week of Sept. 20, but the rollout for Moderna’s vaccine could be delayed, White House chief medical advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci said Sunday. The Biden administration has announced plans to offer third doses to people who received the Pfizer and Moderna shots, pending approval from public health officials. The U.S. recommends an additional shot eight months after the second dose. Only the Pfizer vaccine booster may get Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approval in time for a rollout the week of Sept. 20, Fauci said on CBS’ “Face the Nation.” People who received Moderna shots may have to hold off for longer as the company waits for regulators to sign off on a third dose. (Pramuk, 9/5)
Axios: The Biden Administration's Tension With Moderna Over Coronavirus Vaccine Boosters
A disagreement between the Biden administration and Moderna over booster shot details has thrown a wrench in the administration's plans, and may result in the booster effort beginning with only some Pfizer recipients later this month. How the dispute shakes out could have implications for the global vaccine supply chain — as well as for Moderna's bottom line. (Owens, 9/4)
Stat: How The Risk Of Side Effects Could Change With Covid-19 Vaccine Boosters
Additional doses of Covid-19 vaccines are likely rolling out in the United States later this year. It raises the question: What will the side effects from a booster shot look like? Is there a higher or lower risk of an adverse event, compared to the earlier regimens? (Joseph, 9/7)
In related news —
The Hill: Biden Under Pressure To Ratchet Up Vaccine Aid
Lawmakers are pushing for billions in federal funding to boost global COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing in Democrats' coming $3.5 trillion package, arguing that the Biden administration needs to do more to fight the pandemic worldwide and prevent dangerous new variants from forming. A group of 116 Democratic lawmakers, including more than half of the House Democratic caucus, wrote to congressional leaders and President Biden last month, calling on them to back $34 billion to increase global manufacturing of COVID-19 vaccines and to help distribute the vaccines around the world. (Sullivan, 9/7)
Stat: Biden Wants $65 Billion For 'Apollo'-Style Pandemic Preparedness Program
The Biden administration on Friday unveiled a sweeping new biosecurity plan, outlining a $65 billion proposal to remake the nation’s pandemic preparedness infrastructure in the wake of Covid-19. The new spending would represent one of the largest investments in public health in American history: During a press briefing, Eric Lander, the White House science adviser, likened the proposal to the Apollo program of the late 1960s. (Facher, 9/3)
