U.S. Will Send Excess COVID-19 Vaccine Doses To Mexico & Canada

The White House and President Joe Biden have announced that they plan to send millions of doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to Mexico and Canada.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said that the United States is planning to send 2.5 million doses to Mexico and 1.5 million to Canada. The Food & Drug Administration has still not approved the AstraZeneca vaccine for use in the U.S., so the estimated more than ten million doses in American storage are still unused.

Reporters asked Psaki if the move from the Biden administration has “strings attached” for the countries receiving U.S. vaccine supply. Psaki explained that politics are not transactional. “There’s rarely just one issue you’re discussing with any country at one time,” Psaki said. “Certainly that’s not the case with Mexico. It’s not the case with any country around the world. And so I wouldn’t read into it more than our ability to provide — to lend — vaccine doses.”

Officials in Mexico also denied the “strings attached” notion with Roberto Velasco, director general for the North America region at Mexico’s foreign ministry. “These are two separate issues.” Velasco explained that the two countries’ relationship can only grow closer as a result of the vaccine shipment. “We look for a more humane migratory system and enhanced cooperation against COVID-19, for the benefit of our two countries and the region.”