Brazil in talks to purchase as much as one hundred fifty mln Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines for 2022

a lady holds a small bottle labeled with a "Coronavirus COVID-19 Vaccine" decal and a medical syringe in front of displayed Pfizer emblem during this illustration taken, October 30, 2020. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic//File photograph

BRASILIA, Oct 7 (Reuters) - Brazil is in talks to purchase as much as 150 million doses of the Pfizer (PFE.N) COVID-19 vaccine for next year, in response to a document sent by means of the health Ministry to a Senate inquiry on Thursday.

The doc became shared with the inquiry, which is probing Bra zil's handling of the pandemic, after senators requested guidance on plans for the nation's vaccination crusade next yr.

The health Ministry spoke of it was negotiating the buy of 100 million doses with Pfizer, with a opportunity of buying another 50 million doses.

On desirable of the Pfizer vaccine, Brazil will count on the Astrazeneca (AZN.L) shot which it produces within the nation - currently with imported energetic materials.

Brazil has the world's 2d optimum COVID-19 loss of life toll, in the back of simplest the USA. President Jair Bolsonaro has been criticized through fitness consultants for his mismanagement of the outbreak, railing towards lockdowns and frequently refusing to wear a mask in public.

despite a sluggish beginning, Brazil has ramped up a a success vaccination campaign. Over 70% of Brazilians have now obtained a first dose, compared to 65% within the u.s..

Reporting with the aid of Ricardo Brito; writing with the aid of Stephen Eisenhammer; editing by Sandra Maler

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