KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Sen. Sean McCann has issued the following statement in response to news reports that federal government officials are stating Pfizer has production issues with the COVID-19 vaccine, despite the company’s confirmation they have millions of vials sitting in a warehouse that are ready to be shipped but have not been given instructions on where to send them. In addition, the governors of several states have shared that the number of doses they expected to receive in next week’s shipments has been reduced, with no reason for the decrease given by the federal government.

“Pfizer employees in Kalamazoo County are working around the clock to manufacture, package, and ship COVID-19 vaccines safely and quickly across America. The company is meeting its production goal without any issues and has a stockpile of millions of doses ready for distribution, yet — and with no explanation given — states have been informed they’ll receive fewer vaccine doses than promised next week.

“I want answers from our federal government about why this happening. Without clear communication, directives, and informed responses, no one can adequately prepare — let alone maintain — an effective vaccine distribution plan. When we have more than 300,000 Americans already dead from this virus, which is more than the number of people who died fighting in World War II, there is simply no room to downplay or dismiss the risk of possible delays. We need answers, and we need them now.”

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Sen. McCann represents the 20th Senate District and all of Kalamazoo County.