January 21, 2021

Manchin Receives Vaccine Update From COO Of Operation Warp Speed

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) received an update from General Gus Perna, Chief Operating Officer of Operation Warp Speed on COVID-19 vaccine procurement and distribution.

"Our state needs vaccines, plain and simple. Today I spoke with General Gus Perna, Chief Operating Officer of Operation Warp Speed, to discuss the procurement and distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine. Until the Biden Administration’s plan kicks in, General Perna assured me West Virginia should continue receiving no less than the doses it is currently receiving. Unfortunately, the press reports are accurate and there is no federal stockpile of vaccine doses. However, as the Biden Administration ramps up manufacturing, they expect to see an increase in the number of doses distributed to each state beginning in early February. As soon as vaccine doses come off the production line, the Biden Administration intends to ship them directly to states, in a transparent manner. They believe doses will steadily increase over the coming months ensuring more Americans and West Virginians can receive this vital vaccine. I will continue to advocate for more vaccine doses until West Virginia receives enough to vaccinate every patient that wants one."