AstraZeneca says Covid-19 shots production in Latin America will be delayed

The company flagged issues with lower-than-expected production, shortages of critical supplies and longer periods for regulatory approval as primary reasons for slow production.

AstraZeneca has confirmed setbacks to production of its COVID-19 vaccines in Latin America, excluding Brazil, but said it will still meet a commitment to deliver 150 million doses to the region this year.

Elderly people wait in an observation room after receiving the AstraZeneca coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine, during a mass vaccination program in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. (REUTERS)

The Anglo-Swedish drugmaker said in a statement shared with Reuters on Friday that lower-than-expected production, shortages of critical supplies and longer periods for regulatory approval had slowed the process.