DONALD Trump tweeted on Friday morning that the Moderna vaccine has been “approved” – but the FDA said they’re still “rapidly” working on getting the green light.
President Trump took to Twitter around 7.30am on Friday – just one day after the United States Food and Drug Administration advised Moderna Inc that it was working on completing its Covid vaccine candidate.
His tweet read: “Moderna vaccine overwhelmingly approved. Distribution to start immediately.”
Despite his announcement, a spokesperson with the FDA has revealed Trump’s statement is untrue.
LiveSquawk tweeted about 20 minutes after the president: “FDA: Spokesperson: Moderna Covid-19 Vaccine Isn’t Yet Authorized Moderna Vaccine EUA Remains Under Review At FDA”.
On Thursday night, FDA commissioner Stephen Hahn said the federal agency is “rapidly” working on finalizing and providing an emergency use authorization (EUA) for its vaccine.
Prior to Hahn’s statement, a group of external FDA advisers guaranteed a second coronavirus vaccine option by endorsing the emergency use of Moderna’s vaccine candidate.
The EUA will likely be granted on Friday as Dr Anthony Fauci expects the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine to be distributed by “the very early part of next week.”
Speaking on NBC News’ TODAY on Friday, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases told Savannah Guthrie he hopes the vaccine would be administered by Monday or Tuesday.
He added: “But you know we just have to wait to see for the final decision.
“But very soon literally within a few days.”
Fauci also admitted that he is “ready” to get vaccinated and will do so” as soon as he can.”
Meanwhile, Vice President Mike Pence declared “I didn’t feel a thing” after getting the Pfizer Covid vaccine live on TV today to boost confidence in the jab.
Pence hailed the “medical miracle” after becoming the highest-ranking member of the US government to receive the vaccine at the White House.
