LONDON: US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer Inc. and its German partner, BioNTech SE, will donate doses of their COVID-19 vaccine to participants to this summer’s Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, the International Olympic Committee said Thursday.

The IOC said it has signed a memorandum of understanding with the two companies on the donation.

Delivery of initial doses to participating delegations is expected to begin at the end of May to ensure they receive second doses ahead of arrivals in Tokyo, the companies said.

“This donation of the vaccine is another tool in our toolbox of measures to help make the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 safe and secure for all participants, and to show solidarity with our gracious Japanese hosts,” IOC President Thomas Bach said in a statement.

He also said, “By taking the vaccine, they can send a powerful message that vaccination is not only about personal health, but also about solidarity and consideration of the wellbeing of others in their communities.”

JIJI Press