Europe Faces Backlash For Importing JNJ COVID-19 Shots From South Africa: Reuters - Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ)

Johnson & Johnson JNJ COVID-19 vaccines bottled and packaged at Aspen's site meant for Africa are exported to the European Union, the New York Times reported earlier this week.
Even though South Africa ordered 31 million doses of J&J's shot back in April, the country is still waiting to receive the bulk of its order, the Times reported on Monday. Only 7.2% of the country's population is vaccinated so far.
Reuters reports that following the outpour of backlash, the European Commission maintained that the exports from Aspen's facility are only temporary.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters that he was "stunned" by the revelation, urging J&J to prioritize shipments to Africa instead.
From September, J&J will transfer all bottling operations for vaccines directed to the EU to the Leiden facility, the EU spokesperson said.
Price Action: JNJ shares are up 1.02% at $178.97 during the market session on the last check Thursday.
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