President Joe Biden announced on Friday his intention to request additional funding from Congress to support the development of a new coronavirus vaccine. This move is aimed at addressing the recent surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.
While vacationing in the picturesque Lake Tahoe area, Biden stated, “I have authorized the proposal to be presented to Congress, requesting further funding for a necessary and effective new vaccine. It is highly likely that this vaccine will be recommended for everyone, regardless of prior vaccination status.”
The decision to pursue the development of a new vaccine comes in response to the emergence of the omicron variant, specifically the XBB.1.5 strain. Pfizer, Novavax, and Moderna are already working on vaccines to combat this variant. However, due to the virus’s ability to mutate, it is crucial to continuously update and improve vaccine options.
Interestingly, the Biden administration’s recent supplemental funding request for the new fiscal year did not include provisions for COVID-19 vaccinations. Instead, the White House prioritized other crucial matters, such as additional aid for Ukraine, federal disaster funds, climate change initiatives, and border priorities, with a total requested amount of approximately $40 billion.
It is important to note that President Biden, in a previous call for funding last fall, had requested over $9 billion from Congress to tackle the COVID-19 crisis. Unfortunately, his request was denied at the time.
As COVID-19 cases continue to increase in certain regions and hospitalizations climb, mask mandates are being reintroduced by some authorities in the United States. The data indicates a concerning trend, necessitating swift action to protect public health.
Reporting contributed by The Associated Press.
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