Bill Gates Warns Repeated Doses of Coronavirus Vaccine May Be Needed
Billionaire says 'unbelievably big number' of doses of vaccine required
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Billionaire Bill Gates has warned that the coronavirus vaccine may need several doses in order to be effective.
The Microsoft founder also blasted the Trump administration, accusing them of making "serious mistakes," before warning that schools may not return to normality until the fall of 2021.
Gates, who stepped down from Microsoft earlier this year to put more time into his global health foundation, said school closures were the "biggest cost" of the pandemic besides deaths.
During an interview on CBS News with host Norah O'Donnell, Gates blasted Trump for his handling of the pandemic.
"Some of the policies were a mistake," Gates said of the Trump administration.
"Opening up bars - the economic benefit versus the infection risk - a lot of policies like that made it a mistake," he added.
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The billionaire said wearing masks, and social distancing was the key to tacking the virus until the vaccine is developed.
So far, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has donated $300 million into efforts to develop a vaccine.
Gates said the closure of schools was the biggets concern.
"I'd put that, after the deaths, as the next biggest cost," he said.
"This next academic year does hang in the balance," he continued.
"It's extremely important. You want the staff to feel safe, that you're taking measures on their behalf. You want the learning to resume," Gates added.
"Sadly, the suburban and private schools are doing a lot better at putting learning online."
"It's the inner cities that don't have the resources."
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Gates claimed that life wouldn't be normal until fall 2021 when they "hopefully have this under control enough."
Earlier this month, Trump threatened to “cut off” school funding if states do not reopen them in the fall.
“In Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and many other countries, SCHOOLS ARE OPEN WITH NO PROBLEMS,” Trump said.
“The Dems think it would be bad for them politically if U.S. schools open before the November Election, but is important for the children & families,” he continued.
“May cut off funding if not open!”
In Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and many other countries, SCHOOLS ARE OPEN WITH NO PROBLEMS. The Dems think it would be bad for them politically if U.S. schools open before the November Election, but is important for the children & families. May cut off funding if not open!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 8, 2020
Gates argued that it would need "unbelievably big numbers" of doses of the vaccine for it to work.
"None of the vaccines at this point appear like they'll work with a single dose," Gates said.
In April, Gates revealed he was spending billions of dollars building factories to produce a vaccine for the deadly COVID-19.
"Our early money can accelerate things," Gates said at the time.
"Even though we'll end up picking at most two of them, we're going to fund factories for all seven."
The philanthropist last month also warned about push back from the public who were against taking the vaccine.
Gates said "crazy" anti-vaxxers were a direct threat to the COVID-19 vaccine.
He argued that those opposing and refusing to take vaccines could reduce the level of herd immunity.
Not everyone agrees with Gates, however, after the news of a petition calling for the billionaire to be investigated for "crimes against humanity" went viral on social media.
Petition to Investigate Bill Gates for 'Crimes Against Humanity' Goes Viral
— Neon Nettle (@NeonNettle) July 18, 2020
READ MORE: https://t.co/jbLCcoClzk
Gates added that 80 percent of the world's population would need to take the vaccine for it to work.
The Microsoft founder declared later that the "final hurdle" for a new COVID-19 vaccine would be ensuring that the public takes it.
"You’ll have a choice of whether you take the vaccine or not,” Gates said.
“So, there’s that final hurdle.”
