U.S. Announces Deal to Rush J&J’s Vaccine Into Conflict Zones

(Bloomberg) -- The Biden administration announced it has reached a deal to rush doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine against Covid-19 into conflict zones and other humanitarian settings around the world through the international Covax vaccine distribution program.

Previously, the vaccine was available only through official government programs, adding a hurdle to distribution in conflict areas. Now, the U.S. is making 300,000 doses available to humanitarian and front-line workers around the world in areas hit by conflict or natural disaster. 

Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the move Wednesday at a virtual meeting with foreign counterparts.

“We are eager for people in these difficult circumstances to get protection against Covid-19 as soon as possible,” Blinken said. “We know the urgency of this fight.”

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