Bolsonaro Announces Release of R$20 Billion for Vaccine Purchase

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – On Monday night, December 14th, President Jair Bolsonaro confirmed that he will grant R$20 (US$3.9) billion through a Provisional Measure (a presidential decree having the force of a statute) for the purchase of Covid-19 vaccines.

“Tomorrow I should sign a Provisional Measure amounting to R$20 billion to buy a vaccine,” said Bolsonaro in a statement to supporters outside the Planalto Palace. The President also said that another Provisional Measure will be signed stipulating the obligation to sign a liability waiver by anyone wishing to be immunized.

“There may be another Provisional Measure tomorrow. It is not mandatory, you will need to sign a liability waiver to be vaccinated. Because Pfizer, for one, is quite clear in the contract: ‘we are not responsible for side effects’,” he added.

The amount mentioned by Bolsonaro is about ten times higher than the value released for the purchase of the Oxford vaccine, for which the government paid R$1.9 billion.

In his conversation with supporters, Bolsonaro emphasized that responsibility will lie with the individual choosing to take the vaccine. “There are people who want to take it, so take it, it is your responsibility. If there is any problem there, I hope there won’t be,” he said.

“For those who are physically well, you don’t have to worry much. Now, there’s concern about sick people, the elderly and chubby people,” he added.

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