Dr. Joyce: We Must Build on the Success of Operation Warp Speed

Washington, DC At today's Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hearing entitled "Pathway to Protection: Expanding Availability of COVID-19 Vaccines," Congressman John Joyce, M.D. urged industry leaders to ramp up supply and build upon the success of Operation Warp Speed.

"We continue to recognize the need for more vaccine supply across the United States and especially in Pennsylvania. I remain hopeful that we will see more vaccines receive their [emergency use authorization] in short order to help with this problem. The advent of additional strains could raise the amount of vaccine that is needed to achieve herd immunity," said Dr. Joyce. "Americans everywhere are desperately seeking to return to their normal lives, reopen their businesses, and, most importantly, get their children back in school. Safe, effective, and readily available vaccines are necessary to achieve this goal. Ramping up production on this scale and in this unprecedented time frame has presented some challenges."

During the hearing, Dr. Joyce asked executives from Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson andamp; Johnson, AstraZeneca, and Novax, Inc. about the strengthen and security of their vaccine supply chains. They also discussed the sourcing of these vital materials. All of the witnesses affirmed the importance of vaccine production.

Background:

For weeks, Dr. Joyce has been urging Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf and his administration to be fully transparent and forthcoming with their COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan.

Dr. Joyce has sent multiple letters to Governor Wolf asking for answers to basic questions about the commonwealth's vaccine distribution plan, including his plans to ensure equitable access in rural communities. He has not yet received a response.

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