U.S. narrowing support to seven COVID-19 vaccine candidates, expects them to be free for many

[June 17, 2020]  (Reuters) - The Trump administration aims to narrow its financial support to about seven experimental coronavirus vaccines from the 14 it has been working with so far, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said on Tuesday.

U.S. government officials also said that they expect many Americans to get an approved vaccine to prevent COVID-19 at no charge once it begins distribution, potentially in January.

“For any American who is vulnerable, who cannot afford the vaccines, and desires the vaccine, we will provide it for free,” a U.S. government official said during a call with reporters, requesting anonymity.

The official also said that based on conversations with commercial health insurers, it expects a vaccine to be covered with no out-of-pocket costs, similar to coverage policies insurers have put in place for COVID-19 related medical services.

"We will be working with insurers," the official said.

The Trump Administration last month launched "Operation Warp Speed" - a joint HHS and Department of Defense program - to accelerate development of coronavirus vaccines, treatments and diagnostics.

The effort has "maximized the possibility" of having a vaccine before year end, the government official said.

Small bottles labeled with a "Vaccine COVID-19" sticker and a medical syringe are seen in this illustration taken taken April 10, 2020. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

The Trump Administration previously announced it has put more than $2 billion behind three vaccines in development, one being tested by AstraZeneca Plc <AZN.L> along with the University of Oxford, a Moderna Inc <MRNA.O> candidate and one from Johnson & Johnson <JNJ.N>. It has also given more than $30 million each to Merck & Co <MRK.N> and Sanofi SA <SASY.PA> for their separate vaccine efforts.

A government official said it was still deliberating which companies would ultimately be among those it will support, based on the success of closely watched trials and manufacturing capability.

The New York Times reported earlier this month that the White House had selected five companies: Moderna, AstraZeneca, Pfizer Inc <PFE.N>, J&J and Merck.

(Reporting by Caroline Humer in New York and Manas Mishra in Bengaluru; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta and Bill Berkrot)

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