From Bernie:
“During yesterday’s Senate hearing, I asked officials of the Trump administration whether the coronavirus vaccine, once it is available, will be free for everyone. They refused to give a straight answer.
Let me be clear: This pandemic must not become another opportunity for the pharmaceutical companies to engage in profiteering and make billions.
With efforts underway — often with federal funding — to develop a coronavirus vaccine, we must guarantee that it will be available to every man, woman and child in this country without cost. That is the moral thing to do. That is good public health policy. With over 80,000 deaths already, the American people must not be forced to pay obscene prices in order to protect their lives.
Today, I am calling upon the Trump administration to make the vaccine free for everyone.
But it is not enough for them to hear from me. They need to hear from you too, which is why I am asking:
It is unbelievable to me that we have a president who cut funding for the World Health Organization and an international program to develop a vaccine, and who is hell-bent on throwing millions off the health insurance they already have.
Our job now is to work with scientists and researchers all over the world in coming up with a vaccine and treatment for this pandemic. This is an international crisis, and it will be solved with international effort. All countries have got to work together.
At a time when so many people are worried about whether they will be able to afford the testing and treatment they need if they or a loved one shows symptoms of the coronavirus, one thing that we absolutely must guarantee in this country is a cost-free coronavirus vaccine.
This pandemic must not become another way for the pharmaceutical companies to bring in huge profits. The vaccine must be available to everyone, regardless of their income, immigration status, or health insurance coverage.
In the midst of this public health crisis, the coronavirus vaccine must be available to everyone at no cost. Can you add your name if you agree?
Thank you for adding your name to our petition today.
In solidarity,
Bernie Sanders”