CanSino Vaccine Almost Ready/ Mexico Could Access US Vaccines

Vaccination plan continues to be a priority. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said that COVID-19 cases have decreased worldwide; however, the virus continues to affect the entire country. "Unfortunately, it continues to be a problem because there are still deaths, which is what worries us the most. Although there is a downward trend, not only in Mexico but in the world, the pandemic is still happening." López Obrador emphasized that the government is focusing on acquiring and applying COVID-19 vaccines because it is the only measure that will increase health security. "The vaccination plan will not be stopped; we already have commitments. It is a guarantee that vaccines will continue to arrive and as soon as possible we will vaccinate all Mexicans," López Obrador said.

CanSino vaccine application could begin this month. Minister of Foreign Affairs (SRE) Marcelo Ebrard announced that the first doses of the CanSino vaccine will be ready on Saturday. Ebrard recalled that the packaging of the first batches began on Feb. 24 and that the first doses will be ready on March 6 for evaluation by COFEPRIS. If it is approved, the vaccine will begin shipping at the end of the month. "Rigorous protocols are being applied to ensure they are stable and sterile. Why is it so rigorous? The president has asked us to prepare so that Mexico does not depend on foreign vaccines," Ebrard said.

To return to school, it is necessary to vaccinate education workers and the elderly. López Obrador explained that classes cannot be face-to-face if teachers, education personnel and older adults are not vaccinated first. "To return to classes, the vaccination of teachers and the elderly is required, as this would give us a guarantee of protection against the pandemic." López Obrador emphasized that the government is not prohibiting the opening of schools, as each government must decide that for itself; however, he advised that care be taken to avoid increasing the contagion curve.

Talk with US president was beneficial. López Obrador highlighted that his conversation with US President Joe Biden took place in an environment of respect, friendship and collaboration. "Biden had a great attitude and willingness to understand the Mexican situation regarding migration, COVID-19 vaccines and the need to regularize Mexican migrants," López Obrador said. In addition, López Obrador announced that Biden proposed to allocate US$4 billion for the development of Central America and southern Mexico. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken together with a team from the SRE, coordinated by Marcelo Ebrard, will continue to discuss this development plan.

Mexico could access COVID-19 vaccines from the US. López Obrador said that the Mexican and US governments will explore the possibility of cooperating in the purchase and application of COVID-19 vaccines. López Obrador said that Biden accepted his proposal to face the pandemic together. "The US has a national vaccination plan and there is going to be a dialogue on this issue. I cannot say that an agreement has already been reached; however, there is the possibility that Mexico will have access to vaccines from the US," López Obrador said.

Click HERE for full transcript in Spanish