Suspending patents for COVID vaccines is the right thing to do.
John,
While more Americans get vaccinated and help slow the spread of the virus, the pandemic is still raging abroad with record spikes around the world.
That’s why I joined the chorus of public health activists calling to suspend intellectual property rights to boost production of the vaccine and increase access in developing nations that lack the resources needed to defend against the virus.
Although the Biden administration announced its support for suspending patents on vaccines, an agreement must still be reached at the World Trade Organization to cement this decision with global implications.
We will not emerge out of this global pandemic unless everyone has access to the resources necessary to stay safe and healthy.
It’s why I’ve fought for vaccine equity here at home, and am now calling to increase accessibility and production for developing nations facing record spikes in positive cases.
The financial interests of pharmaceutical giants shouldn’t dictate who can access these vaccine technologies. We need to put people first and do whatever it takes to get more vaccines distributed around the world.