Alex Azar

Coronavirus January 18, 2021

Pfizer to request COVID-19 vaccine full approval in ‘first half of 2021’

Pfizer and BioNTech plan to seek full regulatory approval for their coronavirus vaccine in the first half of the year.

Alex Azar January 15, 2021

HHS Secretary Azar rips CNN after report of resignation: ‘I am still here’

Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar slammed CNN on Friday night after the network reported he had resigned and was citing the Jan. 6 Capitol riot as a reason for his departure.

Alex Azar January 14, 2021

China's silence on coronavirus pandemic left world 'flying blind,' Azar says

Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar on Thursday heavily underscored mistrust in Chinese leadership, offering a nearly day-by-day account of federal steps taken to control coronavirus since the start of the pandemic as officials dealt with the noncooperative communist counterpart.

Coronavirus January 12, 2021

Trump administration wants to widen COVID-19 vaccine distribution, release 2nd doses

The Trump administration in a bid to speed up COVID-19 vaccination efforts is asking states to widen distribution to include people ages 65 and older, and others who are at high risk for severe illness by releasing second doses that were previously being reserved for those who had already had the first shot.

Coronavirus January 7, 2021

States can expand COVID-19 vaccinations to broader groups to use supply, Azar says

Amid criticism of a growing number of unused coronavirus vaccines sitting on shelves nationwide, a top federal official said Wednesday states should vaccinate older, vulnerable Americans.

Vaccines December 22, 2020

Azar, Fauci receive Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine

Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar and Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's leading infectious disease expert, received Moderna’s newly authorized COVID-19 vaccine on Tuesday.

Coronavirus December 22, 2020

Vaccinated against COVID-19? Still wear a mask, social distance, Azar says

As the U.S. embarked on a historic mass immunization effort last week against the novel coronavirus with the recently-authorized Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, and now Moderna, a top White House official is urging recipients to continue mitigation measures.

Alex Azar December 16, 2020

Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine shipments under close watch amid upcoming snowy weather, Azar says

Despite a fast-approaching nor'easter across the Northeast, Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar said FedEx and UPS are prepared and federal officials are keeping a close watch on shipments of doses.

Alex Azar December 14, 2020

Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine complexity lies in packaging, not storage requirements, Azar says

A federal official on Monday said the complexity associated with Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine is not the sub-freezing storage requirements, but instead the large volume of 975 doses per package.

Coronavirus December 14, 2020

Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine 'extraordinary medical achievement' in US, Azar says

Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar and U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams joined faculty and administrators of George Washington University Hospital on Monday as the first doses of the facility’s initial coronavirus vaccine doses were administered.

Politics December 10, 2020

CDC pushes back against House coronavirus committee accusations of 'political meddling' by Trump campaign

The CDC is pushing back against the House coronavirus crisis subcommittee's accusations of "political meddling" by the Trump administration.

Alex Azar December 9, 2020

Azar says he's already met with Biden transition team

Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said Wednesday that he’s already met with the Biden transition team, looking to ensure a smooth transition of power. 

Coronavirus December 6, 2020

Azar believes 'vulnerable' populations should get vaccine first, but governors have final say

Azar urged Americans to "renew their commitment" to fundamental health practices to prevent the current surge of coronavirus cases from growing more severe.

UNITED NATIONS December 4, 2020

Secretary Azar calls out China for 'dereliction of duty' at UN coronavirus meeting

Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar called out China for mishandling the coronavirus outbreak at a United Nations gathering on the pandemic that the Trump Administration has panned as too little too late. 

Alex Azar October 22, 2020

Cuomo warns head of FDA to 'save your soul,' urges against rushed coronavirus vaccine

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo encouraged Dr. Stephen Hahn, the head of the Food and Drug Administration, to "save your soul" and not kotow to President Trump's demands for an expedited coronavirus vaccine. 

Alex Azar September 25, 2020

HHS Secretary Alex Azar security agent tests positive for coronavirus: report

A member of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar's security team tested positive for the coronavirus this week, according to a report.

Donald Trump September 12, 2020

Trump aides review CDC coronavirus reports to better align with president's upbeat messaging: report

President Trump's political aides have successfully demanded to review and, in some cases, modify weekly Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports on the coronavirus in an effort to better align the scientific reports with the president's upbeat messages on the pandemic, Politico reported.

Fox News Flash September 8, 2020

Azar responds to Biden and Harris, promises coronavirus vaccine will meet 'very high safety' standards

Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar insisted Tuesday that any coronavirus vaccine would meet "very high safety and efficacy standards" after former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., cast doubt on the approval process over the weekend.

Alex Azar September 3, 2020

Azar says it’s ‘irresponsible’ to suggest politics at play in coronavirus vaccine race

Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar said it’s “irresponsible” to suggest politics are at play in the race to approve a coronavirus vaccine. 

Fox News Flash August 26, 2020

Azar rejects claims Trump pressured FDA to approve convalescent plasma coronavirus treatment

Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar pushed back Wednesday against claims that President Trump pressured the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to authorize the use of convalescent plasma to treat coronavirus patients.

Donald Trump August 23, 2020

Trump to reveal coronavirus 'breakthrough' therapeutic, WH press secretary says

President Trump plans to hold a news conference Sunday evening regarding a potential major therapeutic “breakthrough” for treating the coronavirus.

Coronavirus August 12, 2020

China claims HHS Secretary Azar turned his back on Americans dying from coronavirus

China says the U.S. has turned its backs on the American people during the coronavirus, instead choosing “political posturing,” just one day after U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar praised Taiwan’s coronavirus response.

Alex Azar August 12, 2020

James Carafano: China uses HHS Secretary Azar's Taiwan trip as opportunity to test US

A strong U.S.-Taiwan relationship is the first and strongest step America can make in enhancing peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

Alex Azar August 11, 2020

In Taiwan visit, Azar accuses China of 'hobbling' coronavirus response

Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar accused China of "hobbling" the world's coronavirus response during a visit to Taiwan that has already incensed Chinese leaders.

Alex Azar August 10, 2020

US would share coronavirus vaccine with world after Americans' needs are met: Azar

The U.S. will share any coronavirus vaccine it develops with the globe after American needs are met, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said Monday during a visit to Taiwan.

Alex Azar August 5, 2020

China condemns US decision to send senior official to Taiwan

 The U.S. secretary of Health and Human Services, Alex Azar, has scheduled an unprecedented visit to Taiwan next week, marking the first visit by a senior U.S. official since 1979.

Alex Azar August 5, 2020

HHS Secretary Azar to become first US Cabinet member to visit Taiwan in 6 years

Heath and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar will lead a U.S. delegation to Taiwan in the coming days, marking the first cabinet member to visit in six years.

School Reopening Plans July 27, 2020

Gottlieb, Azar push for safe school reopenings amid coronavirus

Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former FDA commissioner, and Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar advocated for school reopenings contingent on local virus conditions with CBS’s “Face the Nation.”

Alex Azar July 27, 2020

Face masks causing coronavirus case plateau but states 'not out of the woods': HHS secretary

The next few months will be crucial because the U.S. has "really incredible shots at therapeutics," Secretary Azar said.

Donald Trump May 24, 2020

HHS Secretary Azar defends Trump's call for governors to reopen churches as long as 'appropriate precautions' are made

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar defended on Sunday President Trump’s demand that governors allow churches and other houses of worship to reopen this weekend even though some areas remain under coronavirus lockdown.