Transcript: Alex Azar on "Face the Nation"
The following is a transcript of an interview with Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar that aired Sunday, December 13, 2020, on "Face the Nation."
COVID-19 Vaccine
FDA chief seeks to reassure Americans about COVID vaccine, says he will take it
The Food and Drug Administration on Friday authorized Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine for emergency use.
FDA authorizes Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use
The first doses of the vaccine will be delivered in less than 24 hours, President Trump said Friday.
Feds to buy additional 100 million doses of Moderna vaccine
Government promises that the vaccine, which still needs FDA approval, will be free to patients.
FDA says it will work "rapidly" to approve Pfizer vaccine
Mark Meadows called FDA Commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn Friday and told him to approve the Pfizer vaccine or consider resigning, according to a senior administration official.
COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan in motion
While the U.S. waits for the Food and Drug Administration's decision to give Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine emergency-use authorization, the wheels are already turning to roll out the vaccine almost immediately. The Pfizer plant in western Michigan said it's ready to ship 6.4 million doses within 24 hours of approval. Tanya Rivero spoke with CBS News transportation correspondent Kris Van Cleave about the steps being taken.
Could people still be infectious after they're vaccinated for COVID-19?
Clinical trials did not test whether a person could still spread the virus to others after receiving the vaccine.
Biden's COVID team prepares for transition
President-elect Joe Biden and his transition team will be taking responsibility for the nation's coronavirus response and the rollout of vaccines in the midst of an unprecedented health crisis. Dr. Celine Gounder, an NYU epidemiologist and member of Mr. Biden's coronavirus advisory board, joins "CBSN AM" to discuss how the team is preparing.
Airlines, investment firms and Uber urge me-first in vaccination
CEOs and industry groups have sent hundreds of letters to the CDC seeking "essential" workers status to access vaccines.
GSK, Sanofi COVID vaccine effort: Late 2021, companies say
GlaxoSmithKline and Sanofi said they are seeking to improve the shot's effectiveness in older people.
U.S. Marshals will protect COVID-19 vaccine during rollout
The news comes as the Food and Drug Administration is expected to approve Pfizer's vaccine for emergency authorization.
FDA panel recommends approval of Pfizer vaccine
An FDA advisory panel has voted to recommend emergency use of Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine. Pending FDA approval, the first 2.9 million doses could be shipped out this week. This comes as the U.S. recorded its highest single day death toll Wednesday, with more losses than the country saw on 9/11. Dr. Teresa Amato is the Chair of Emergency Medicine at Long Island Jewish Forest Hills. She joined CBSN with more on how the vaccine works and how to contain the spread.
FDA panel recommends use of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine
The experts voted 17 to 4 in favor of the drug's emergency use for people aged 16 years and older.
FDA reviewing Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine
A key Food and Drug Administration panel of experts is expected to vote on whether they believe Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine is safe for emergency use in the U.S. The meeting comes a day after the country recorded its single deadliest day since the pandemic began. CBSN's Tanya Rivero spoke with CBS News correspondent Skyler Henry about the approval process for the vaccine.
Expert: U.S. starting to see holiday surge
Wednesday was the deadliest day for the U.S. since the coronavirus pandemic began. CBSN's Tanya Rivero spoke with John Moore, a professor of microbiology and immunology at Weill Cornell Medical College, about the state of the pandemic.
N.Y. official on CDC request for personal data
New York state pushed back against a request from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to collect data from residents who receive a coronavirus vaccine. The federal agency asked all 50 states to sign an agreement that allows them to obtain personal information from vaccinated people, including names and birthdays. Leaders like New York Governor Andrew Cuomo believe the Trump administration would use the information to deport undocumented immigrants, which the agency denies. New York Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul joined "CBSN AM" to discuss.
FDA advisory panel to meet on Pfizer vaccine
An FDA advisory panel is expected to meet today to discuss whether to recommend emergency use authorization of the Pfizer coronavirusvaccine. Both Canada and the U.K. have already approved it. CBS News' Debra Alfarone joins "CBSN AM" with more.
Answers to questions about the COVID-19 vaccine
CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook answers viewers' questions about the coronavirus vaccine.
Will I have to wear a mask once I get the COVID vaccine?
A doctor explains why wearing masks will still be necessary for a while even after vaccines arrive.
COVID outbreak rages in California
Coronavirus cases are exploding in California. The state set new records on Tuesday, including more hospitalizations than ever before. CBSN's Tanya Rivero spoke about the current situation in California with Jeremy White, the co-author of Politico's California Playbook newsletter.
Dr. LaPook answers your COVID vaccine questions
CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook answers viewers' questions about the coronavirus vaccine, including allergic reactions by two people who got the shot in the U.K., and when it may be safe to travel again after being immunized.
U.K. issues warning after 2 allergic reactions to Pfizer vaccine
England's National Health Service says people "with a history of a significant allergic reaction to a vaccine, medicine or food" should not get the Pfizer shot.
How to slow the spread of COVID19 ahead of a vaccine release
Roughly 1 in every 22 Americans have tested positive for COVID-19, and U.S. is now reporting an average 200,000 Americans are testing positive for coronavirus each day, the highest daily total the country has experienced. Emergency medicine physician and Yahoo News medical contributor Dr. Dara Kass joins CBSN to discuss the impact Pfizer's vaccine will have on the country once it is approved for distribution.
ICU beds across U.S. becoming scarce
Intensive care units across the country are nearing capacity as COVID continues to spread at unprecedented rates, and health officials say the vaccine won't reach most Americans until spring. Urgent care nurse practitioner Justin Gill joins CBSN AM to explain what he's seeing on the ground and what he thinks needs to happen for vaccines to be distributed properly in hospitals.
NYC mayor vows not to let people "jump the line" for vaccine
"We've got to protect those who serve us and those who are most vulnerable, and we will enforce that rigorously," said Mayor Bill de Blasio.
Live
Trump formally signs U.S.-Iran deal as questions linger about nuclear program
President Trump warned he could order new strikes if Iran's leaders "don't behave." The U.S. and Iran signed the memo of understanding remotely, a White House official said.
Senate postpones Clayton's confirmation hearing after Trump upends plans
The Senate canceled Jay Clayton's confirmation hearing on Wednesday after President Trump's move to delay the installation of the new intelligence chief.
This law firm has deep ties to Trump. Now a partner is his pick for a top job.
Jamie McDonald, a partner at the firm Sullivan & Cromwell, is President Trump's choice to helm one of the nation's most prestigious federal prosecutors' offices.
How Trump's memo of understanding with Iran compares to the Obama nuclear deal
The Obama-era Iran deal was packed with technical details and specific requirements limiting, but not shutting down, Iran's nuclear program. President Trump's new agreement is more of a framework, and it's not final yet.
Victims ID'd in B-52 bomber crash that killed 8 at Edwards Air Force Base
As standard practice, the military makes public identifications 24 hours after next of kin have been notified.
Pastors for Trump founder drops out of House race after texting scandal
Jackson Lahmeyer had been backed by President Trump, although the president dropped his endorsement shortly before Lahmeyer dropped out.
Read the 14 points of the agreement between Iran and the U.S.
The agreement, as read by senior U.S. officials, allows Iran to immediately begin exporting oil and petroleum products.
How mistrust and war are fueling a deadly Ebola outbreak
Efforts to stop Central Africa's deadly Ebola outbreak face widespread mistrust and porous borders in a war zone.
Exclusive
Is Russia burning through air defense missiles at an "unsustainable rate"?
Ukraine intelligence indicates the country's stepped up drone strikes are forcing Russia to burn through interceptor missiles, possibly faster than it can build new ones.
U.S.
More U.S.
Knicks accepted invitation to visit Trump at White House, Dolan says
The New York Knicks are planning to visit the White House, owner James Dolan said Wednesday, marking a first for an NBA Finals winner during President Trump's time in office.
This law firm has deep ties to Trump. Now a partner is his pick for a top job.
Jamie McDonald, a partner at the firm Sullivan & Cromwell, is President Trump's choice to helm one of the nation's most prestigious federal prosecutors' offices.
Pastors for Trump founder drops out of House race after texting scandal
Jackson Lahmeyer had been backed by President Trump, although the president dropped his endorsement shortly before Lahmeyer dropped out.
Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady but leaves door open to hike
U.S. inflation is expected to remain elevated through the end of the year, Fed officials say in their latest forecast.
The Obama Presidential Center and Library opens in Chicago
After more than a decade since it was announced, the Obama Presidential Center and Library officially opens to the public in Chicago's Jackson Park on June 19, 2026.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady but leaves door open to hike
U.S. inflation is expected to remain elevated through the end of the year, Fed officials say in their latest forecast.
Social Security faces looming benefit cuts. Can the program be saved?
Social Security checks could see a 22% cut in 2032 unless Congress takes steps to shore up the program. Here are 5 ideas for fixing it.
Want to start a business? AI can help, business owners say
AI is slashing the cost of starting and running a business. "Everything has decreased in cost and increased in speed," one entrepreneur said.
What to expect as Kevin Warsh leads his first Fed interest rate meeting
New Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh is stepping in at a critical juncture for the U.S. economy, with inflation at its highest level in more than three years.
Yum! Brands sells struggling Pizza Hut in $2.7 billion deal
The sale will split ownership of the pizza chain between a U.S.-based private equity firm and a Chinese restaurant company.
Politics
More Politics
Knicks accepted invitation to visit Trump at White House, Dolan says
The New York Knicks are planning to visit the White House, owner James Dolan said Wednesday, marking a first for an NBA Finals winner during President Trump's time in office.
How Trump's memo of understanding with Iran compares to the Obama nuclear deal
The Obama-era Iran deal was packed with technical details and specific requirements limiting, but not shutting down, Iran's nuclear program. President Trump's new agreement is more of a framework, and it's not final yet.
This law firm has deep ties to Trump. Now a partner is his pick for a top job.
Jamie McDonald, a partner at the firm Sullivan & Cromwell, is President Trump's choice to helm one of the nation's most prestigious federal prosecutors' offices.
Pastors for Trump founder drops out of House race after texting scandal
Jackson Lahmeyer had been backed by President Trump, although the president dropped his endorsement shortly before Lahmeyer dropped out.
Read the 14 points of the agreement between Iran and the U.S.
The agreement, as read by senior U.S. officials, allows Iran to immediately begin exporting oil and petroleum products.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Ebola outbreak still spreading in Congo: "We are missing cases"
A WHO official tells CBS News Ebola is still spreading in Congo after a month, as experts race to contain the outbreak in Central Africa.
American doctor who recovered from Ebola back in U.S., says he's "feeling well"
Dr. Peter Stafford, his wife, Rebekah Stafford, and their four children all arrived safely on Monday, according to Serge, a Pennsylvania-based Christian missions organization.
They're uninsured after Obamacare became too costly. They're far from alone.
After congressional Republicans let expanded subsidies for Affordable Care Act plans expire at the end of last year, some families have decided the price is too great of a financial burden and canceled their coverage.
Organic formula recalled after 3 babies diagnosed with infant botulism
The affected formula was sold at Target and at Nara.com, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
6/14: Sunday Morning
Hosted by Jane Pauley. Featured: The lack of obesity in Japan; Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance; former child star Bill Mumy; the past and future of the Houston Astrodome; a time capsule for America's 500th birthday; and soccer art made with gum wrappers.
World
More World
How mistrust and war are fueling a deadly Ebola outbreak
Efforts to stop Central Africa's deadly Ebola outbreak face widespread mistrust and porous borders in a war zone.
How Trump's memo of understanding with Iran compares to the Obama nuclear deal
The Obama-era Iran deal was packed with technical details and specific requirements limiting, but not shutting down, Iran's nuclear program. President Trump's new agreement is more of a framework, and it's not final yet.
Read the 14 points of the agreement between Iran and the U.S.
The agreement, as read by senior U.S. officials, allows Iran to immediately begin exporting oil and petroleum products.
Exclusive
Is Russia burning through air defense missiles at an "unsustainable rate"?
Ukraine intelligence indicates the country's stepped up drone strikes are forcing Russia to burn through interceptor missiles, possibly faster than it can build new ones.
Vance says text of U.S.-Iran deal will be released Friday "at the latest"
Vice President JD Vance said on "CBS Monrings" that the Trump administration wants "to tell the American people what's in this deal."
Entertainment
More Entertainment
CBS to host "The Great American Block Party 250" special on July 4
CBS will host a primetime special celebrating America's 250th birthday on Saturday, July 4, with exclusive performances and the largest fireworks show in history.
CBS to host America 250 special on July 4
"CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil and "Entertainment Tonight" co-host Nischelle Turner will host "The Great American Block Party 250," a primetime special on July 4 celebrating America's 250th birthday from Washington, D.C.
Durand Bernarr on new music
Durand Bernarr talks about collaborations in his music, why his new album's title is a tribute to his father and his music journey since his viral Grammy speech earlier this year.
Messi ties men's World Cup goals record with first World Cup hat trick
Lionel Messi tied the Men's World Cup goals record with his first World Cup hat trick as Argentina topped Algeria.
America250 announces concert headliners, host
Chris Stapleton and The Smashing Pumpkins are set to headline America250's "America's Block Party Concert," with Queen Latifah set to host. Rosie Rios, the chair of America250, joins CBS News 24/7 with more.
Technology
More Technology
Technology
Anthropic pulls access to new AI models
Anthropic pulled access to its newly released AI models, Mythos 5 and Fable 5, after the U.S. government restricted who could use them. David Katzmaier, CNET editor-in-chief, joins CBS News to discuss.
Want to start a business? AI can help, business owners say
AI is slashing the cost of starting and running a business. "Everything has decreased in cost and increased in speed," one entrepreneur said.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
SpaceX to buy AI coding assistant Cursor for $60 billion
The deal comes just days after SpaceX went public in the largest IPO in history, raising $75 billion to help fund its expansion.
Anthropic to meet Trump officials, Axios says
Anthropic's senior staff is planning to meet with White House officials amid a recent dispute over the company's safety measures. Maria Curi, a tech reporter for Axios, has more.
Science
More Science
Science
Watch: Pentagon releases 6 new UFO videos
The Defense Department released a third batch of UFO files on Friday, three weeks after its second drop. These are all of the videos in the latest tranche, plus analysis from astrophysicist Avi Loeb.
Goblin shark seen alive in natural deep-sea habitat for the first time
The goblin shark had only previously been seen when caught by fishermen and they died shortly afterward.
World's largest whale graveyard found by sub at bottom of ocean
The researchers saw many strange animals — many believed to be new to science — living off the whale carcasses.
NASA names 4 astronauts for next Artemis mission
NASA's Artemis III astronauts plan to carry out rendezvous and docking procedures with commercial moon landers being built by SpaceX and Blue Origin.
Great white shark captured on video in Mediterranean in rare sighting
Great white sharks are classified as "critically endangered" in the Mediterranean Sea, and underwater sightings are incredibly rare.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
Inside Gilgo Beach killer's sentencing hearing
A judge on Wednesday sentenced Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann to life in prison without parole. CBS News New York's Jennifer McLogan was in the courtroom and joins with details.
Heuermann addresses court as he's sentenced
Rex Heuermann was sentenced to life in prison without parole Wednesday after pleading guilty to a series of murders known as the Gilgo Beach serial killings. Heuermann spoke at the hearing where the sentence was handed down. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul reports.
Rex Heuermann sentenced to life in prison
Rex Huermann, the man who pleaded guilty to a series of murders known as the Gilgo Beach serial killings, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul reports.
5 arrested in White House UFC attack plot
The FBI says it foiled a plot to attack Sunday's UFC event at the White House. Court records detail an alleged plot to use drones carrying explosives and snipers to target certain event attendees. CBS News' Katrina Kaufman has the latest.
Gilgo Beach serial killer to be sentenced
Rex Heuermann, the man who pleaded guilty in April to the Gilgo Beach murders, is set to be sentenced on Wednesday. Tom Hanson reports on how the case unfolded.
Space
More Space
NASA chief defends choice of all-male crew for Artemis III mission
NASA's Jared Isaacman says the crew was selected solely based on their experience, expertise and availability for flight assignment.
NASA names 4 astronauts for next Artemis mission
NASA's Artemis III astronauts plan to carry out rendezvous and docking procedures with commercial moon landers being built by SpaceX and Blue Origin.
Space station crew briefly moves to "safe haven" amid concerns over leaks
Out of an abundance of caution, NASA briefly directed five of the seven crew members aboard the International Space Station to wait inside the docked SpaceX Crew Dragon "Freedom" spacecraft.
Sun erupts with 3 solar flares, raising chances of northern lights for U.S.
Three solar flares burst from the sun this week, raising the chances of seeing the northern lights for people across the United States.
NASA reluctantly gives up on lost orbiter: "Best Mars mission ever"
NASA officials said the $582 million MAVEN orbiter could not be recovered after a problem on the far side of Mars late last year, and that its extraordinarily successful mission was at an end.
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Tropical storm Arthur rolls through the Gulf
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Trump signed MOU with Iran, official says
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Trump jokes he'll blame Vance if Iran deal fails
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Fed keeps interest rates steady
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