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WHO Calls for Halt to COVID Booster Shots in 2021, Says Vaccines Should Go to Poorer Countries

HeadlineSep 09, 2021

The World Health Organization called Wednesday for a global halt to third doses of COVID-19 vaccines for the rest of the year. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said wealthy nations should instead make limited vaccine supplies available to poorer countries.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus: “We have been calling for vaccine equity from the beginning, not after the richest countries have been taken care of. … I will not stay silent when the companies and countries that control the global supply of vaccines think the world’s poor should be satisfied with leftovers.”

The Biden administration has repeatedly rejected the WHO’s calls to halt booster shots until medical workers and other at-risk groups can be vaccinated in poorer countries. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki spoke Wednesday.

Press Secretary Jen Psaki: “Our view is that this is a false choice. And the United States has donated and shared about 140 million doses with over 90 countries, more than all other countries combined.” 

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