Will Covid vaccine be free? Federal officials won’t commit

Latest


During a Senate hearing on coronavirus measures May 12, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders put U.S. health officials on the spot about whether a Covid-19 vaccine would be available to all Americans, regardless of their ability to pay.
Trump administration officials appearing at the hearing included Dr. Stephen Hahn, commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Assistant Secretary for Health Dr. Brett Giroir.
Sanders asked Hahn whether a Covid-19 vaccine, if it’s developed, “would be distributed to all people free of charge, or make sure at least that everybody in America who needs that vaccine will get it regardless of their income. Is that a fair assumption?” Hahn would only say that “the payment of vaccines is not a responsibility of FDA, but I’m glad to take this back to the task force.”
Sanders then put the same question to Giroir, who said that a vaccine should reach “all segments of society, regardless of their ability to pay.” Sanders stated, “So then you’re telling the American people today that regardless of income, every American will be able to gain access to that vaccine when it comes?” Giroir said that he is “not in control” of that decision. Sanders pressed Giroir, saying, “Well, you represent an administration that makes that decision.” Giroir replied that he would “certainly advocate that everyone is able to receive the vaccine regardless of income or any other circumstance.”

PT Logo collage
+ Articles by this author

Free to republish but please credit the People's Tribune. Visit us at www.peoplestribune.org, email peoplestribune@gmail.com, or call 773-486-3551.

The People’s Tribune brings you articles written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Unsigned articles reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: ©2024 peoplestribune.org. Please donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

‘We Need Urgent Global Climate Action’

Eighty-nine percent of people worldwide want their governments to do more to address the global climate crisis. Conference on tipping points says situation is urgent. Meanwhile U.S. govt does more to boost fossil fuel forms of energy.

May Day 2025: United We Will Win

International Worker’s Day is celebrated on May 1st around the world. Today, the entire U.S. working class, of which immigrants comprise an integral part, is under attack. The defense of immigrants is vital to the defense of the entire working class.

White School Officer Pepper-sprayed and Kneed Black Beaumont, TX Student, Complaint says. Will Feds Act?

A 6-second video, recorded by a teacher and reviewed by the Texas Observer, shows an officer grabbing a student’s hair, kneeing her in the face, and knocking the 100-pound girl on her back.

Pope Francis Dies After Easter Plea to End War in Gaza

"In his final public message, Pope Francis decried the “terrible conflict” in Gaza.

Bring Union Brother Kilmar Home: His Deportation Is an Attack on All of Us

The deportation of union brother Kilmar Abrego Garcia is a gut punch to the labor movement, a slap in the face to every worker who dares to organize.

More from the People's Tribune