President hints at vaccine before poll

– US President Donald Trump on Monday again hinted a coronavirus vaccine will be available before November’s election, as he accused his Democratic rivals for the White House of undermining public confidence in the immunisation.

His comments came days after vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris said she would not take Trump’s word on the safety and efficacy of an antivirus vaccine, if one were ready before the US presidential vote.

Trump faces intense pressure to curb the contagion that has clouded his reelection prospects, sparking worries his administration could rush vaccine research to fit a political timetable.

Biden also weighed in on Monday, saying he wanted transparency and scientific facts on any future vaccine.

“I’m worried if we do have a really good vaccine, people are going to be reluctant to take it. So he’s undermining public confidence.”

Trump, who is behind in national polls, fired back saying his rivals in the 3 November vote had both delivered “reckless antivaccine rhetoric”.

“It’s so dangerous what they say,” Trump said.

“The vaccine will be very safe and effective.”

A shot to protect against the virus that has killed more than 189 000 in the US has become another flashpoint ahead of polling day.

“We’re going to have a vaccine very soon, maybe even before a very special date,” Trump said. – AFP