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The United States government inked a second agreement to purchase additional 100 million doses of the BioNTech-Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, bringing its total order to 200 million doses.

Pfizer expects to deliver all of the 200 million doses to Operation Warp Speed (OWS) by July 31, 2021. The U.S. government will pay $1.95 billion for the additional $100 million doses, according to the pharmaceutical company on Wednesday.

The BioNTech-Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine was the first to get the green light for emergency use from the U.S. government. Initial shipments were delivered across the United States last week.  Health care workers were the first to receive vaccine shots.

Under the terms of the second deal, BioNTech and Pfizer will deliver at least 70 million of the additional doses by June 30 next year. The companies will deliver the remaining 30 million doses to be delivered no later than July 31 next year.

The U.S. government has the option to buy an additional 400 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

With these 100 million additional doses, the United States will be able to protect more individuals and hopefully end this devastating pandemic more quickly. We look forward to continuing our work with the U.S. government and healthcare providers around the country," said Pfizer Chairman and CEO Albert Bourla.

On the other hand, BioNTech Co-founder and CEO Ugur Sahin said, “We regard the U.S. government’s order of additional doses from their vaccine contingent as a clear sign of confidence and trust in our vaccine and our ability to deliver. Our goal remains to bring a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine to as many people as we can all around the world."

The new deal opens the door for mass vaccinations in all U.S. states

The New York Times first reported the new details of negotiations between Pfizer and the Trump administration.

The second Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine deal could lead to the vaccination of all Americans.

The newspaper said, "An agreement, which could be announced as early as Wednesday, would help the United States at least partly offset a looming vaccine shortage that could leave as many as 110 million adult Americans uncovered in the first half of 2021."

Times added that the American pharmaceutical firm began asking for government assistance in acquiring supplies as early as September but was “unhappy about the lack of response.”

Pfizer said in a statement that "we continue to work collaboratively with the U.S. government to get doses of our COVID-19 vaccine to as many Americans as possible. The company is not able to comment on any confidential discussions that may be taking place with the U.S. government."

On Wednesday, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar said, “Securing more doses from Pfizer and BioNTech for delivery in the second quarter of 2021 further expands our supply of doses across the Operation Warp Speed portfolio. This new federal purchase can give Americans even more confidence that we will have enough supply to vaccinate every American who wants it by June 2021.”

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