Distribution of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine has begun, less than 24 hours after the Food and Drug Administration granted it an emergency use authorization.
The United States is the first country to approve the vaccine.
"This is another crucial step in the fight against the global pandemic that is causing vast numbers of hospitalizations and deaths in the United States every day," FDA commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn said.
Moderna is shipping out six million doses to 3,285 locations across the country this weekend. The company will ship out 20 million doses by the end of the year and an additional 80 million by the end of the first quarter in 2021.
"Distribution of Moderna vaccine has already begun," General Gustave Perna, chief operating officer of Operation Warp Speed, said at a press conference. "Boxes are being packed and loaded today. Trucks will begin rolling out tomorrow, from FedEx and UPS, delivering vaccines and kits to the American people across the United States."
Moderna's vaccine will be easier to distribute than Pfizer's vaccine because it does not need to be kept at sub-zero temperatures. The vaccine can be stored at 36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit for up to 30 days.
Vaccinations will begin after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gives the green light. A panel is scheduled to meet this weekend and is expected to approve the vaccine.
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