President Trump started out the week by suggesting a COVID-19 vaccine could be ready in time for the election in November, raising some concerns the administration could pressure the FDA to speed up the vaccine’s approval for political reasons. Congressman Fred Upton tells WSJM News he’s sat through hearings on the vaccine, and is sure it will be properly tested before anything is released.
“No one’s quite sure when the FDA is going to make their recommendations and conclude their approval process, but at the end of the day, we’re going to need to see that before a vaccine is available,” Upton said.
But could the president speed up the approval by pressuring the FDA?
“I don’t think you’d see that happen. I have to believe the FDA is going to stay its course, that it’s going to ensure and make sure all of the safety requirements are met before they would get an approval.”
Upton says the House Energy and Commerce Committee has made clear a vaccine for COVID will have to be thoroughly vetted before release, and the drug makers have agreed. He says no one is going to want to get a vaccine that has not been properly tested.
