A spokesperson for the US Department of Health and President Joe Biden’s administration has announced that the US government wants to spend more than five billion dollars in an effort to accelerate efforts to develop new vaccines and drugs for Covid. 19 disease.

Dubbed the “Next Generation Program,” the investment, first announced by White House and Health Department officials in an interview with The Washington Post, aims to provide better protection against possible future coronaviruses, including the virus that causes COVID. -19.

“While our vaccines are highly effective in preventing serious illness and death, they are less effective at reducing infections and transmission over time,” a health ministry spokesperson said on Monday.

“New variants and loss of immunity over time may challenge our healthcare systems in the coming years,” he added.

President Joe Biden’s administration wants to spend at least $5 billion in partnership with the private sector in a move similar to the “Operation Maximum Speed” program under former President Donald Trump to accelerate development and delivery. Vaccines in 2020.

“The Next Generation Program will accelerate the development of next-generation vaccines and drugs through a coordinated effort between the public and private sectors,” a Biden administration official said.

“At least $5 billion will help promote scientific progress in areas of significant public health benefit to the American people, with the goal of developing tools that are safe and effective for the American people,” he added.