NY to review any COVID-19 vaccine authorized

As a race for a COVID-19 vaccine continues, there is a fear by some that the approval process is being politicized in the U.S. and as a result safety is being compromised.

[CUOMO] “Frankly, I’m not going to trust the federal government's opinion.”

On Thursday, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo - who has repeatedly criticized President Donald Trump and his administration's handling of the coronavirus pandemic - said his state will carry out its own review of coronavirus vaccines authorized or approved by the federal government.

[CUOMO] “We're going to put together our own review committee (flash) for them to review the vaccine so I can look at the camera and I can say to New Yorkers that it's safe to take. I want to make sure that it is safe to take."

While all U.S. states are expected to come up with vaccine distribution plans, conducting an independent safety review would be a most unusual move.

On Wednesday, FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn told a U.S. Senate committee that the agency would only approve a vaccine that was safe and effective.

Critics fear Trump is trying to speed up the vaccine process to help in his re-election efforts...

Trump has repeatedly said a vaccine could be ready for distribution ahead of the Nov. 3 presidential election -- a far quicker timetable than what his own health experts have forecast.

Adding to the concern, on Wednesday, Trump said he may not approve any new, more stringent FDA standards for an emergency authorization of a COVID-19 vaccine, saying such a proposal would appear political.