According to a Reuters report, Dr. Anthony Fauci has said that the US is on the right track and will realize its vaccine goal.
The leading U.S. expert on infectious diseases, Dr. Anthony Fauci, said while there are no guarantees, the project timetable is good
“I FEEL GOOD ABOUT THE PROJECTED TIMETABLE,”
promising results
His comments follow promising early stage data for the Moderna Inc’s (MRNA.O) coronavirus vaccine, released on Tuesday, that was developed by scientists at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, which Fauci directs.
Read more: Moderna Vaccine Effective in Producing COVID19 Antibodies Above Normal Infection Level
Many experts see a safe and effective vaccine as the only way out of the pandemic that has infected millions and killed more than 575,000 people worldwide.
Fauci said Moderna’s results were especially promising because the vaccine appeared to offer the type of protection seen in a natural infection.
IN VACCINE DEVELOPMENT, “ONE OF THE THINGS THAT YOU HOPE FOR IS THAT YOUR VACCINE INDUCES A RESPONSE THAT’S COMPARABLE TO A NATURAL INFECTION, BECAUSE THEORETICALLY, THE BEST VACCINE YOU COULD POSSIBLY EVER GET IS A NATURAL INFECTION.”
300 Million Doses of Safe Vaccine
Moderna’s candidate, which is set to enter the last stage of testing on July 27, is just one of more than a hundred vaccines in development globally, but only one of a few contenders that have earned millions of dollars in backing from Operation Warp Speed, the White House program that aims to deliver more than 300 million doses of a safe and effective vaccine by January.
Unperturbed By Criticism
Fauci, who has become a popular and trusted figure during the coronavirus outbreak, came under criticism from President Donald Trump and some of his Republican allies as Fauci cautioned against reopening the U.S. economy too soon.
Asked how he copes with the attacks on his character and allegiance to the president, Fauci told Reuters, “I don’t let it bother me. What we’re doing with vaccines, what we’re doing with therapeutics, what we’re doing with clinical trials is the real substance,” Fauci said.
Dr. Fauci facing heat for His predictions
The White House over the weekend distributed a list of statements Fauci made early in the pandemic that turned out to be wrong as the understanding of the disease developed, according to media reports. Trump said this week he valued Fauci’s input but did not always agree with him.
“YOU KNOW, IT IS A BIT BIZARRE. I DON’T REALLY FULLY UNDERSTAND IT,” FAUCI SAID IN AN INTERVIEW WITH THE ATLANTIC.
He defended the statements saying that they were not quoted entirely and are out of context, stressing those involved was taken aback by the huge mistake they have made
The White House has denied that Fauci has been sidelined. However, White House trade adviser Peter Navarro wrote a critical opinion piece attacking Fauci for having made mistakes.
Fauci told the Atlantic: “I can’t explain Peter Navarro. He’s in a world by himself. So I don’t even want to go there.”
Not Worried About Getting Their First
As U.S. states have begun to reopen businesses and infections soared, some White House officials have pointed fingers at China, where the virus first emerged late last year.
“I think everybody’s sort of on the same track.” If they do get there, he said,
“THEY’RE NOT GOING TO GET IT PARTICULARLY SOONER THAN WE GET IT. THAT’S FOR SURE.”
Ultimately, he hopes multiple successful candidates prevail.
“I DON’T WORRY ABOUT ANYBODY GETTING THERE FIRST.”
Even if a vaccine succeeds in provoking an immune response, Fauci said it is still not clear how long that protection will last.
“These are questions that don’t have answers right now, because we’re only six months into the outbreak.” He said it may take a year before that immunity question is answered.
Americans Hesitant In Vaccinating
A recent Reuters poll found that a quarter of Americans are hesitant about taking a vaccine, voicing concern that the record pace of development could compromise safety. Fauci said he is aware of such concerns.
“It’s understandable, but unjustified,” he said.
“WE’RE NOT COMPROMISING SAFETY; WE’RE NOT COMPROMISING SCIENTIFIC INTEGRITY.”
Fauci said the normal development process of waiting for a vaccine to be proven effective before manufacturing begins wastes precious time.
“IF THE VACCINE DOESN’T WORK, THE ONLY THING YOU’VE LOST IS MONEY.”
Divisiveness Hampering Honest Evaluation
“One of the things that’s part of the problem is the dynamics of the divisiveness that is going on now that it becomes difficult to engage in a dialogue of honest evaluation of what’s gone right and what’s gone wrong,” Fauci told The Atlantic in an interview.
“We’ve got to own this, reset this and say OK, let’s stop this nonsense and figure out how can we get our control over this now.”
America Hit A Reset Button
In his Atlantic interview, Fauci recommended the country hit a reset button and acknowledge that things are not going in the right direction. The rising numbers of coronavirus infections show “we’ve got to do better” and states need to get on the same page and work on ways to control the virus.
“SO, RATHER THAN THESE GAMES PEOPLE ARE PLAYING, LET’S FOCUS ON THAT,” FAUCI SAID.
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Source: Reuters
