U.S. health officials will ban most flavored e-cigarettes popular with underage teenagers, but with major exceptions that benefit vaping manufacturers, retailers and adults who use the nicotine-emitting devices.

The Trump administration announced Thursday that it will prohibit fruit, candy, mint and dessert flavors from small, cartridge-based e-cigarettes that are popular with high school students.

But menthol and tobacco-flavored e-cigarettes will be allowed to remain on the market.

The flavor ban will also entirely exempt large, tank-based vaping devices, which are primarily sold in vape shops that cater to adult smokers.

Associated Press health reporter Matthew Perrone explains that together, the two exemptions represent a significant retreat from President Donald Trump's original plan announced four months ago.

"This is a big step back from what Trump said he was going to do in September when he said that they going to ban all flavors in all types of products," said Perrone.

"There are a number of carve outs here that seem to be favorable to industry who have been lobbying him pretty aggressively in recent months, not to ban all these flavors."

The new policy will preserve a significant portion of the multibillion-dollar vaping market.

And the changes are likely to please both the largest e-cigarette manufacturer, Juul Labs, and thousands of vape shop owners who sell the tank-based systems, which allow users to mix customized flavors.

E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that typically heat a flavored nicotine solution into an inhalable aerosol.

They have been pitched to adults as a less-harmful alternative to traditional cigarettes, but there is limited data on their ability to help smokers quit.

The Food and Drug Administration has struggled for years to find the appropriate approach to regulating vaping. Under current law, all e-cigarettes are supposed to undergo an FDA review beginning in May. Only those that can demonstrate a benefit for U.S. public health will be permitted to stay on the market.

The flavor ban applies to e-cigarettes that use pre-filled nicotine cartridges mainly sold at gas stations and convenience stores.

Juul is the biggest player in that market, but it previously pulled all of its flavors except menthol and tobacco after coming under intense political scrutiny. Many smaller manufacturers continue to sell sweet, fruity flavors like “grape slushie,” “strawberry cotton candy” and “sea salt blueberry."

The flavor restrictions won't affect the larger specialty devices sold at vape shops, which typically don't admit customers under 21.

These tank-based systems allow users to fill the device with the flavor of their choice. Sales of these devices represent an estimated 40% of the U.S. vaping business, with sales across some 15,000 to 19,000 shops.

"Today's announcement taking a number of these flavors off the market, A number of products is actually a pretty huge step from what came before," said Perrone.

"E-cigarettes and vaping have been pretty much unregulated in the US for many years, and FDA is still trying to figure out how exactly they're going to regulate this space.

In the latest government survey, more than 1 in 4 high school students reported using e-cigarettes in the previous month, despite federal law banning sales to those under 18. Late last month Trump signed a law raising the minimum age to purchase all tobacco and vaping products from 18 to 21 nationwide.

ARCHIVE: New York - 18 September 2019

1. Various of people vaping

Washington DC - 2 January 2020

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Matthew Perrone, Associated Press Reporter:

"The Trump administration is banning most flavors in small cartridge based e-cigarettes that are popular with teens, but they're keeping flavors available for products that a lot of adults use and that are sold in vape shops."

ARCHIVE: New York - 18 September 2019

3. Various of products on a table

ARCHIVE: Biddeford, Maine - 3 September 2019

4. STILL of electronic cigarette pods displayed for sale in shop

ARCHIVE: San Francisco - 17 June 2019

5. STILL of cashier displaying a packet of tobacco-flavored Juul pods

ARCHIVE: New York - 16 September 2019

6. Sign of advertising nicotine content of Juul vaping products

Washington DC - 2 January 2020

7. SOUNDBITE (English) Matthew Perrone, Associated Press Reporter:

"This is a big step back from what Trump said he was going to do in September when he said that they going to ban all flavors in all types of products. There are a number of carve outs here that seem to be favorable to industry who have been lobbying him pretty aggressively in recent months, not to ban all these flavors."

ARCHIVE: New York - 18 September 2019

8. Various of couple vaping

9. Various of people vaping

Washington DC - 2 January 2020

10. SOUNDBITE (English) Matthew Perrone, Associated Press Reporter:

"When Trump first announced that he was planning to ban nearly all flavors, there was a lot more pressure on the federal government at the time. There was an outbreak of lung illnesses tied to vaping. We now know that that problem was tied to illegal marijuana based vaping products. So there's a little less pressure on the federal government now that that's been determined."

ARCHIVE: Washington DC - 22 November 2019

11. President Donald Trump in listening session at the White House on vaping

12. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President:

"This is a very big subject and it's a very complex subject. Probably a little bit less compless than some people think. But I'm here to listen and I have very divergent views."

13. Cutaway of listening session

Washington DC - 2 January 2020

14. SOUNDBITE (English) Matthew Perrone, Associated Press Reporter:

"E-cigarettes and vaping have been pretty much unregulated in the US for many years, and FDA is still trying to figure out how exactly they're going to regulate this space. So today's announcement taking a number of these flavors off the market, a number of products is actually a pretty huge step from what came before."

ARCHIVE: New York - 16 September 2019

15. Various of Jubilee Vape and Smoke in New York CIty

16. Various of vaping solution and vaporizers on shelf of store

Washington DC - 2 January 2020

17. SOUNDBITE (English) Matthew Perrone, Associated Press Reporter:

"This is an announcement that almost no one is going to be entirely happy with it. I think probably the most disappointed will be the health groups, anti-tobacco groups. They wanted Trump to ban all flavors. They think the flavors are what attracts kids to e-cigarettes and vaping. So leaving some of these flavors on the market in any form, they're going to, they're going to view as a failing of the Trump administration."

ARCHIVE: New York - 16 September 2019

18. Various vaporizers on the shelf at NYC Smoke Shop

Washington DC - 2 January 2020

19. SOUNDBITE (English) Matthew Perrone, Associated Press Reporter:

"Today's announcement will allow Trump to say that he took action on teen vaping, and that's probably a political win. I think he's going to continue to be pressured by the vaping industry. They have a deadline coming up next year for all of their products to be reviewed by the FDA. They want that pushed back or eliminated entirely. So you're going to continue to see lobbying and pressure from the vaping industry in Washington."

ARCHIVE: Marietta, Georgia - 5 May 2016

20. Various of people smoking e-cigarette

U.S. health officials will ban most flavored e-cigarettes popular with underage teenagers, but with major exceptions that benefit vaping manufacturers, retailers and adults who use the nicotine-emitting devices.

The Trump administration announced Thursday that it will prohibit fruit, candy, mint and dessert flavors from small, cartridge-based e-cigarettes that are popular with high school students.

But menthol and tobacco-flavored e-cigarettes will be allowed to remain on the market.

The flavor ban will also entirely exempt large, tank-based vaping devices, which are primarily sold in vape shops that cater to adult smokers.

Associated Press health reporter Matthew Perrone explains that together, the two exemptions represent a significant retreat from President Donald Trump's original plan announced four months ago.

"This is a big step back from what Trump said he was going to do in September when he said that they going to ban all flavors in all types of products," said Perrone.

"There are a number of carve outs here that seem to be favorable to industry who have been lobbying him pretty aggressively in recent months, not to ban all these flavors."

The new policy will preserve a significant portion of the multibillion-dollar vaping market.

And the changes are likely to please both the largest e-cigarette manufacturer, Juul Labs, and thousands of vape shop owners who sell the tank-based systems, which allow users to mix customized flavors.

E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that typically heat a flavored nicotine solution into an inhalable aerosol.

They have been pitched to adults as a less-harmful alternative to traditional cigarettes, but there is limited data on their ability to help smokers quit.

The Food and Drug Administration has struggled for years to find the appropriate approach to regulating vaping. Under current law, all e-cigarettes are supposed to undergo an FDA review beginning in May. Only those that can demonstrate a benefit for U.S. public health will be permitted to stay on the market.

The flavor ban applies to e-cigarettes that use pre-filled nicotine cartridges mainly sold at gas stations and convenience stores.

Juul is the biggest player in that market, but it previously pulled all of its flavors except menthol and tobacco after coming under intense political scrutiny. Many smaller manufacturers continue to sell sweet, fruity flavors like “grape slushie,” “strawberry cotton candy” and “sea salt blueberry."

The flavor restrictions won't affect the larger specialty devices sold at vape shops, which typically don't admit customers under 21.

These tank-based systems allow users to fill the device with the flavor of their choice. Sales of these devices represent an estimated 40% of the U.S. vaping business, with sales across some 15,000 to 19,000 shops.

"Today's announcement taking a number of these flavors off the market, A number of products is actually a pretty huge step from what came before," said Perrone.

"E-cigarettes and vaping have been pretty much unregulated in the US for many years, and FDA is still trying to figure out how exactly they're going to regulate this space.

In the latest government survey, more than 1 in 4 high school students reported using e-cigarettes in the previous month, despite federal law banning sales to those under 18. Late last month Trump signed a law raising the minimum age to purchase all tobacco and vaping products from 18 to 21 nationwide.

ARCHIVE: New York - 18 September 2019

1. Various of people vaping

Washington DC - 2 January 2020

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Matthew Perrone, Associated Press Reporter:

"The Trump administration is banning most flavors in small cartridge based e-cigarettes that are popular with teens, but they're keeping flavors available for products that a lot of adults use and that are sold in vape shops."

ARCHIVE: New York - 18 September 2019

3. Various of products on a table

ARCHIVE: Biddeford, Maine - 3 September 2019

4. STILL of electronic cigarette pods displayed for sale in shop

ARCHIVE: San Francisco - 17 June 2019

5. STILL of cashier displaying a packet of tobacco-flavored Juul pods

ARCHIVE: New York - 16 September 2019

6. Sign of advertising nicotine content of Juul vaping products

Washington DC - 2 January 2020

7. SOUNDBITE (English) Matthew Perrone, Associated Press Reporter:

"This is a big step back from what Trump said he was going to do in September when he said that they going to ban all flavors in all types of products. There are a number of carve outs here that seem to be favorable to industry who have been lobbying him pretty aggressively in recent months, not to ban all these flavors."

ARCHIVE: New York - 18 September 2019

8. Various of couple vaping

9. Various of people vaping

Washington DC - 2 January 2020

10. SOUNDBITE (English) Matthew Perrone, Associated Press Reporter:

"When Trump first announced that he was planning to ban nearly all flavors, there was a lot more pressure on the federal government at the time. There was an outbreak of lung illnesses tied to vaping. We now know that that problem was tied to illegal marijuana based vaping products. So there's a little less pressure on the federal government now that that's been determined."

ARCHIVE: Washington DC - 22 November 2019

11. President Donald Trump in listening session at the White House on vaping

12. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President:

"This is a very big subject and it's a very complex subject. Probably a little bit less compless than some people think. But I'm here to listen and I have very divergent views."

13. Cutaway of listening session

Washington DC - 2 January 2020

14. SOUNDBITE (English) Matthew Perrone, Associated Press Reporter:

"E-cigarettes and vaping have been pretty much unregulated in the US for many years, and FDA is still trying to figure out how exactly they're going to regulate this space. So today's announcement taking a number of these flavors off the market, a number of products is actually a pretty huge step from what came before."

ARCHIVE: New York - 16 September 2019

15. Various of Jubilee Vape and Smoke in New York CIty

16. Various of vaping solution and vaporizers on shelf of store

Washington DC - 2 January 2020

17. SOUNDBITE (English) Matthew Perrone, Associated Press Reporter:

"This is an announcement that almost no one is going to be entirely happy with it. I think probably the most disappointed will be the health groups, anti-tobacco groups. They wanted Trump to ban all flavors. They think the flavors are what attracts kids to e-cigarettes and vaping. So leaving some of these flavors on the market in any form, they're going to, they're going to view as a failing of the Trump administration."

ARCHIVE: New York - 16 September 2019

18. Various vaporizers on the shelf at NYC Smoke Shop

Washington DC - 2 January 2020

19. SOUNDBITE (English) Matthew Perrone, Associated Press Reporter:

"Today's announcement will allow Trump to say that he took action on teen vaping, and that's probably a political win. I think he's going to continue to be pressured by the vaping industry. They have a deadline coming up next year for all of their products to be reviewed by the FDA. They want that pushed back or eliminated entirely. So you're going to continue to see lobbying and pressure from the vaping industry in Washington."

ARCHIVE: Marietta, Georgia - 5 May 2016

20. Various of people smoking e-cigarette

FOR CLEAN VERSION SEE STORY NUMBER: apus128830

U.S. health officials will ban most flavored e-cigarettes popular with underage teenagers, but with major exceptions that benefit vaping manufacturers, retailers and adults who use the nicotine-emitting devices.

The Trump administration announced Thursday that it will prohibit fruit, candy, mint and dessert flavors from small, cartridge-based e-cigarettes that are popular with high school students.

But menthol and tobacco-flavored e-cigarettes will be allowed to remain on the market.

The flavor ban will also entirely exempt large, tank-based vaping devices, which are primarily sold in vape shops that cater to adult smokers.

Associated Press health reporter Matthew Perrone explains that together, the two exemptions represent a significant retreat from President Donald Trump's original plan announced four months ago.

"This is a big step back from what Trump said he was going to do in September when he said that they going to ban all flavors in all types of products," said Perrone.

"There are a number of carve outs here that seem to be favorable to industry who have been lobbying him pretty aggressively in recent months, not to ban all these flavors."

The new policy will preserve a significant portion of the multibillion-dollar vaping market.

And the changes are likely to please both the largest e-cigarette manufacturer, Juul Labs, and thousands of vape shop owners who sell the tank-based systems, which allow users to mix customized flavors.

E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that typically heat a flavored nicotine solution into an inhalable aerosol.

They have been pitched to adults as a less-harmful alternative to traditional cigarettes, but there is limited data on their ability to help smokers quit.

The Food and Drug Administration has struggled for years to find the appropriate approach to regulating vaping. Under current law, all e-cigarettes are supposed to undergo an FDA review beginning in May. Only those that can demonstrate a benefit for U.S. public health will be permitted to stay on the market.

The flavor ban applies to e-cigarettes that use pre-filled nicotine cartridges mainly sold at gas stations and convenience stores.

Juul is the biggest player in that market, but it previously pulled all of its flavors except menthol and tobacco after coming under intense political scrutiny. Many smaller manufacturers continue to sell sweet, fruity flavors like “grape slushie,” “strawberry cotton candy” and “sea salt blueberry."

The flavor restrictions won't affect the larger specialty devices sold at vape shops, which typically don't admit customers under 21.

These tank-based systems allow users to fill the device with the flavor of their choice. Sales of these devices represent an estimated 40% of the U.S. vaping business, with sales across some 15,000 to 19,000 shops.

"Today's announcement taking a number of these flavors off the market, A number of products is actually a pretty huge step from what came before," said Perrone.

"E-cigarettes and vaping have been pretty much unregulated in the US for many years, and FDA is still trying to figure out how exactly they're going to regulate this space.

In the latest government survey, more than 1 in 4 high school students reported using e-cigarettes in the previous month, despite federal law banning sales to those under 18. Late last month Trump signed a law raising the minimum age to purchase all tobacco and vaping products from 18 to 21 nationwide.

New York - 18 September 2019

1. Various of people vaping

2. Various of products on a table

3. Vaping solution on shelf of store

Washington DC - 2 January 2020

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Matthew Perrone, Associated Press Reporter:

"The Trump administration is banning most flavors in small cartridge based e-cigarettes that are popular with teens, but they're keeping flavors available for products that a lot of adults use and that are sold in vape shops. This is a big step back from what Trump said he was going to do in September when he said that they going to ban all flavors in all types of products. There are a number of carve outs here that seem to be favorable to industry who have been lobbying him pretty aggressively in recent months, not to ban all these flavors."

Washington DC - 22 November 2019

5. President Donald Trump in listening session at the White House on vaping

Washington DC - 2 January 2020

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Matthew Perrone, Associated Press Reporter:

"When Trump first announced that he was planning to ban nearly all flavors, there was a lot more pressure on the federal government at the time. There was an outbreak of lung illnesses tied to vaping. We now know that that problem was tied to illegal marijuana based vaping products. So there's a little less pressure on the federal government now that that's been determined."

ARCHIVE: New York - 18 September 2019

7. Various of couple vaping

8. Various of people vaping

Washington DC - 2 January 2020

9. SOUNDBITE (English) Matthew Perrone, Associated Press Reporter:

"E-cigarettes and vaping have been pretty much unregulated in the US for many years, and FDA is still trying to figure out how exactly they're going to regulate this space. So today's announcement taking a number of these flavors off the market, a number of products is actually a pretty huge step from what came before."

ARCHIVE: Marietta, Georgia - 5 May 2016

10. Various of people smoking e-cigarette

President Donald Trump shifted this week from downplaying the threat of the coronavirus to positioning himself as a wartime president fortifying the nation against a foreign menace.

So far, the coronavirus has not punctured the nation's partisan political bubbles, and a fractured electorate is viewing his performance through the lens they chose long ago.

Trump supporters continue to support the president as others criticize the administration's response to the coronavirus outbreak.

"I think it seems like a partisan situation where people on the left disagree with what he's doing, people on the right agree with what he's doing," said Cliff Gephart, owner of Conservative Grounds, a Trump-themed coffee shop. Every decision the president makes, whether it's about coronavirus or about the economy or taxation. It seems like coronavirus is just another partisan, down party lines."

Gephart has created a replica of the Oval Office in his coffee shop. He proudly shows it to every visitor.

"We are a conservative coffee shop dedicated to law enforcement, military and conservative values," he says.

For most people, the virus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.

The vast majority of people recover over a period a weeks.

Largo, Florida - 18 March 2020

1. Various of Conservative Grounds cafe interior

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Cliff Gephart, owner of Conservative Grounds:

"I think it seems like a partisan you know situation where people on the left disagree with what he's doing, people on the right agree with what he's doing. It seems like it's every decision the president makes, whether it's about coronavirus or about the economy or taxation. It seems like coronavirus is just another partisan, down party lines. Some people support him, some people don't."

3. Various of cafe interior, including staged Oval Office with Trump cutout

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Cliff Gephart, owner of Conservative Grounds:

"We're at Conservative Grounds, we are a conservative coffee shop dedicated to law enforcement, military and conservative values."

5. Pan of people inside cafe taking, posing for pictures

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Cliff Gephart, owner of Conservative Grounds:

"I don't know, I'm not qualified to say if the threat's overblown. I will say that I'm listening to the officials, I'm listening to the experts and we're trying to just deal with things how we see fit. And I don't know if the threat's overblown. I don't know. I know if I my mom had COPD, and I wouldn't want her out you know if she were still here today, so I think it's overblown maybe and if you're a healthy person and shutting down everything. But I don't know. I'm not sure that I believe it's overblown. I just know that I'm going to do what I can and we're going to just live our lives based on what we're allowed to do."

7. Various of cafe interior

President Donald Trump shifted this week from downplaying the threat of the coronavirus to positioning himself as a wartime president fortifying the nation against a foreign menace.

So far, the coronavirus has not punctured the nation's partisan political bubbles, and a fractured electorate is viewing his performance through the lens they chose long ago.

Trump supporters continue to support the president as others criticize the administration's response to the coronavirus outbreak.

"I think it seems like a partisan situation where people on the left disagree with what he's doing, people on the right agree with what he's doing," said Cliff Gephart, owner of Conservative Grounds, a Trump-themed coffee shop. Every decision the president makes, whether it's about coronavirus or about the economy or taxation. It seems like coronavirus is just another partisan, down party lines."

Gephart has created a replica of the Oval Office in his coffee shop. He proudly shows it to every visitor.

"We are a conservative coffee shop dedicated to law enforcement, military and conservative values," he says.

For most people, the virus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.

The vast majority of people recover over a period a weeks.

Largo, Florida - 18 March 2020

1. Various of Conservative Grounds cafe interior

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Cliff Gephart, owner of Conservative Grounds:

"I think it seems like a partisan you know situation where people on the left disagree with what he's doing, people on the right agree with what he's doing. It seems like it's every decision the president makes, whether it's about coronavirus or about the economy or taxation. It seems like coronavirus is just another partisan, down party lines. Some people support him, some people don't."

3. Various of cafe interior, including staged Oval Office with Trump cutout

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Cliff Gephart, owner of Conservative Grounds:

"We're at Conservative Grounds, we are a conservative coffee shop dedicated to law enforcement, military and conservative values."

5. Pan of people inside cafe taking, posing for pictures

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Cliff Gephart, owner of Conservative Grounds:

"I don't know, I'm not qualified to say if the threat's overblown. I will say that I'm listening to the officials, I'm listening to the experts and we're trying to just deal with things how we see fit. And I don't know if the threat's overblown. I don't know. I know if I my mom had COPD, and I wouldn't want her out you know if she were still here today, so I think it's overblown maybe and if you're a healthy person and shutting down everything. But I don't know. I'm not sure that I believe it's overblown. I just know that I'm going to do what I can and we're going to just live our lives based on what we're allowed to do."

7. Various of cafe interior

Juul Labs is halting all U.S. advertising of its e-cigarettes and replacing its CEO amid a nationwide backlash against vaping.

The largest e-cigarette maker also said Wednesday it won't fight a sweeping ban on flavours proposed by the Trump administration to reverse a surge in underage vaping.

Juul's CEO will be replaced by a senior executive from Altria, the maker of Marlboro cigarettes.

Altria took a 35% stake in Juul in December at a cost of 13 billion US dollars.

The shake-up comes amid growing public furor over vaping that has triggered calls for tighter restrictions at the federal and state levels.

Massachusetts said Tuesday it will ban all vaping products for four months, the first such step in the country.

E-cigarettes have been largely unregulated since first arriving in the U.S. in 2007.

After multiple delays, the Food and Drug Administration has set a deadline of next May for manufacturers to submit their products for review.

The makers of e-cigarettes are now fighting to survive as they face two public health debacles linked to vaping: a mysterious lung illness and rising use of e-cigarettes by teenagers.

Juul's new chief, K.C. Crosthwaite, in a statement, said Juul has long focused on providing adult smokers with alternatives, but recognized that there's "unacceptable levels of youth usage and eroding public confidence in our industry."

Health experts generally consider e-cigarettes less harmful than traditional cigarettes because they don't contain all the cancer-causing byproducts of burning tobacco.

But there's virtually no long-term research on the health effects of the aerosol produced by vaping.

E-cigarettes generally heat a liquid with nicotine to create a vapour.

Public health officials are investigating hundreds of recent cases of the breathing ailment.

Most of the illnesses have involved vaping THC from marijuana, but officials have not yet implicated any common product or ingredient.

Meanwhile, underage vaping has reached epidemic levels, according to top government health officials.

In a government survey, more than 1 in 4 high school students reported using e-cigarettes in the previous month.

Federal law bans sales to those under 18.

Also on Wednesday, tobacco giants Altria and Philip Morris International said they were calling off merger talks a month after first floating a deal that would have created the world's largest tobacco company.

Altria's stake in Juul was considered a key factor in the deal.

And a combination with Philip Morris would have given Juul access to the tobacco company's global network and resources.

Juul's e-cigarettes first went on sale in 2015 and the company quickly propelled itself to the top of the market with a combination of high-nicotine pods, dessert and fruit flavours and viral marketing.

Today, the San Francisco company controls roughly 70% of the U.S. e-cigarette market.

In the last year, Juul tried to reposition itself as a brand for middle-age smokers looking to wean themselves off cigarettes.

But the FDA warned the company this month that its product hasn't yet been approved to help smokers quit.

Juul has tried to head off a crackdown with a series of voluntary steps, including halting retail sales of several flavours and shutting down its social media presence.

But political pressure has only increased.

The company now faces multiple investigations from Congress, several federal agencies - including the FDA - and state attorneys general.

Earlier this month, President Donald Trump said that the federal government will act to ban thousands of flavours used in e-cigarettes because they appeal to underage users.

Crosthwaite, who was Altria's chief growth officer, replaces Juul's CEO, Kevin Burns.

Altria and Philip Morris said last month that they were in discussions to become a single company, more than a decade after splitting into two as lawsuits mounted.

Altria has exclusively sold Marlboro cigarettes and other tobacco brands in the U.S., while Philip Morris has handled international sales.

Philip Morris International Inc. CEO André Calantzopoulos said Wednesday that the companies will instead focus on launching IQOS in the U.S. IQOS is a heat-not-burn cigarette alternative made by Philip Morris. Crosthwaite headed the development of IQOS.

New York - 18 September 2019

1. Various of a young couple vaping

2. Various of a woman vaping

New York – 1 September 2019

3. Man vaping

4. Woman walking and vaping

New York – 18 September 2019

5. Tight of man vaping

Richmond, Virginia – 22 March 2003

6. Phillip Morris' headquarters in Richmond

7. Various of tobacco cigarette production at Phillip Morris

8. Various of Phillip Morris website

New York – Date Unknown

9. Various exteriors of New York headquarters

Juul Labs is halting all U.S. advertising of its e-cigarettes and replacing its CEO amid a nationwide backlash against vaping.

The largest e-cigarette maker also said Wednesday it won't fight a sweeping ban on flavours proposed by the Trump administration to reverse a surge in underage vaping.

Juul's CEO will be replaced by a senior executive from Altria, the maker of Marlboro cigarettes.

Altria took a 35% stake in Juul in December at a cost of 13 billion US dollars.

The shake-up comes amid growing public furor over vaping that has triggered calls for tighter restrictions at the federal and state levels.

Massachusetts said Tuesday it will ban all vaping products for four months, the first such step in the country.

E-cigarettes have been largely unregulated since first arriving in the U.S. in 2007.

After multiple delays, the Food and Drug Administration has set a deadline of next May for manufacturers to submit their products for review.

The makers of e-cigarettes are now fighting to survive as they face two public health debacles linked to vaping: a mysterious lung illness and rising use of e-cigarettes by teenagers.

Juul's new chief, K.C. Crosthwaite, in a statement, said Juul has long focused on providing adult smokers with alternatives, but recognized that there's "unacceptable levels of youth usage and eroding public confidence in our industry."

Health experts generally consider e-cigarettes less harmful than traditional cigarettes because they don't contain all the cancer-causing byproducts of burning tobacco.

But there's virtually no long-term research on the health effects of the aerosol produced by vaping.

E-cigarettes generally heat a liquid with nicotine to create a vapour.

Public health officials are investigating hundreds of recent cases of the breathing ailment.

Most of the illnesses have involved vaping THC from marijuana, but officials have not yet implicated any common product or ingredient.

Meanwhile, underage vaping has reached epidemic levels, according to top government health officials.

In a government survey, more than 1 in 4 high school students reported using e-cigarettes in the previous month.

Federal law bans sales to those under 18.

Also on Wednesday, tobacco giants Altria and Philip Morris International said they were calling off merger talks a month after first floating a deal that would have created the world's largest tobacco company.

Altria's stake in Juul was considered a key factor in the deal.

And a combination with Philip Morris would have given Juul access to the tobacco company's global network and resources.

Juul's e-cigarettes first went on sale in 2015 and the company quickly propelled itself to the top of the market with a combination of high-nicotine pods, dessert and fruit flavours and viral marketing.

Today, the San Francisco company controls roughly 70% of the U.S. e-cigarette market.

In the last year, Juul tried to reposition itself as a brand for middle-age smokers looking to wean themselves off cigarettes.

But the FDA warned the company this month that its product hasn't yet been approved to help smokers quit.

Juul has tried to head off a crackdown with a series of voluntary steps, including halting retail sales of several flavours and shutting down its social media presence.

But political pressure has only increased.

The company now faces multiple investigations from Congress, several federal agencies - including the FDA - and state attorneys general.

Earlier this month, President Donald Trump said that the federal government will act to ban thousands of flavours used in e-cigarettes because they appeal to underage users.

Crosthwaite, who was Altria's chief growth officer, replaces Juul's CEO, Kevin Burns.

Altria and Philip Morris said last month that they were in discussions to become a single company, more than a decade after splitting into two as lawsuits mounted.

Altria has exclusively sold Marlboro cigarettes and other tobacco brands in the U.S., while Philip Morris has handled international sales.

Philip Morris International Inc. CEO André Calantzopoulos said Wednesday that the companies will instead focus on launching IQOS in the U.S. IQOS is a heat-not-burn cigarette alternative made by Philip Morris. Crosthwaite headed the development of IQOS.

New York - 18 September 2019

1. Various of a young couple vaping

2. Various of a woman vaping

New York – 1 September 2019

3. Man vaping

4. Woman walking and vaping

New York – 18 September 2019

5. Tight of man vaping

Richmond, Virginia – 22 March 2003

6. Phillip Morris' headquarters in Richmond

7. Various of tobacco cigarette production at Phillip Morris

8. Various of Phillip Morris website

New York – Date Unknown

9. Various exteriors of New York headquarters

U.S. health officials will ban most flavored e-cigarettes popular with underage teenagers, but their plan includes major exceptions that benefit vaping manufacturers, retailers and adults who use the nicotine-emitting devices.

The Trump administration announced Thursday that it will prohibit fruit, candy, mint and dessert flavors from small, cartridge-based e-cigarettes that are popular with high school students. But menthol and tobacco-flavored e-cigarettes will be allowed to remain on the market.

"Obviously we're a little bit relieved that the products that we've been using for a decade to keep people off of cigarettes are still going to be available to those consumers that are former smokers and current smokers looking to have an alternative," said Spike Babaian, owner of VapeNY, a vape store in New York and the technical analysis director of the New York State Vapor association.

Babaian says she sees the new rules as an acknowledgement that vaping has its place as an alternative for cigarette smokers.

The flavor ban will also entirely exempt large, tank-based vaping devices, which are primarily sold in vape shops that cater to adult smokers.

Together, the two exemptions represent a significant retreat from President Donald Trump's original plan announced four months ago, which would have banned all vaping flavors _ including menthol _ from all types of e-cigarettes. The new policy will spare a significant portion of the multibillion-dollar vaping market. And the changes mark a major victory for thousands of vape shop owners who sell the tank-based systems, which allow users to mix customized flavors.

New York – January 2, 2020

1. Various of Babian in store

2. Various of refillable vape products that will be exempt from new restrictions

++PARTIALLY COVERED++

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Spike Babaian, owner VapeNY, technical analysis director of the New York State Vapor association.

"So there are a larger devices like these where they have refillable tanks that can be recharged, where there's liquid inside that gets refilled into a tank and they have a filter inside that would be changed. These are ones that we are fairly certain are not part of the guidance. They're open system, refillable devices like the one that I use. So it would have a tank that would open."

4. Various of Babaian refilling vape device

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Spike Babaian, owner VapeNY, technical analysis director of the New York State Vapor association.

"As a shop owner whose business model is open system devices that you can refill and put liquid into, obviously we're a little bit relieved that the products that we've been using for a decade to keep people off of cigarettes are still going to be available to those consumers that are former smokers and current smokers looking to have an alternative. So we're we're thankful that the guidance doesn't shut down flavors in every aspect. It seems that the majority of people who are not smoking anymore are using flavors that are not tobacco and menthol. So we're thankful that those products will still be available for consumers who want to quit smoking."

6. Various exteriors of VapeNY shop

7. SOUNDBITE (English) Spike Babaian, owner VapeNY, technical analysis director of the New York State Vapor association.

"We're happy that the science has finally been recognized, that people realize that this product is helping people quit smoking. The science has been there for almost a decade and it's been ignored. It's been largely ignored. And we're happy that the FDA has reviewed the science and recognized that this product stands to help millions and millions of people who are former smokers to remain smoke free."

8. Various of Matthew Blum shopping in store

9. SOUNDBITE (English) Matthew Blum, former Cigarette smoker, current vaper

"Generally speaking, I think vaping is a lot safer than smoking, and that's the key. You know, no harm reduction. You don't want new kids starting to vape because it could be very addictive. You know like nicotine is nicotine in it. So I think that the harm reduction model, like if you're doing Nicorette gum, if you're doing transdermal patches with the right vape system and the right vape, it's it's a very good product."

10. Various of refillable vape products that will be exempt from new restriction

The US State Department is outlining its position on a World Health Organization team report that has concluded the coronavirus most likely jumped to humans from an animal.

The State department spokesperson, Ned Price said Tuesday, "We look forward to seeing this report."

"We want to see the underlying data. We intend to marry that underlying data with what is in our own broader holdings to include within our intelligence community. We are going to base our conclusions on nothing other than the data, nothing other than the science."

A team of international and Chinese scientists looking for the origins of COVID-19 said an alternate theory that the virus leaked from a Chinese lab was unlikely.

A closely watched visit by World Health Organization experts to Wuhan - the Chinese city where the first coronavirus cases were discovered - did not dramatically change the current understanding of the early days of the pandemic, said Peter Ben Embarek, the leader of the WHO mission.

But it did "add details to that story," he said at a news conference as the group wrapped up a four-week visit to the city.

And it allowed the joint Chinese-WHO team to further explore the lab leak theory - which former U.S. President Donald Trump and officials from his administration had put forward without evidence - and decide it was unlikely.

The Wuhan Institute of Virology is home to many different virus samples, leading to allegations that it may have been the source of the original outbreak, whether on purpose or accidentally.

China had already strongly rejected the possibility of a leak and has promoted other theories. The Chinese and foreign experts considered several ideas for how the disease first ended up in humans, leading to a pandemic that has now killed more than 2.3 million people worldwide.

Price said, "The WHO is leading this investigation."

Adding, "I wouldn't want to be conclusive yet about any sort of cooperation that the WHO may or may not have received from China."

Price also stated the Biden administration's position on the situation in Burma.

Police have cracked down on crowds of demonstrators protesting against Myanmar's military takeover.

"We strongly condemn violence against demonstrators, he said.

Adding, "We repeat our calls for the military to relinquish power, restore democratically elected government, release those detained and lift all telecommunication restrictions and to refrain from violence."

"We are making no bones about where we stand when it comes to the military's need to relinquish power," Price said.

POOL

Washington, DC - 9 February 2021

1. Wide of State Department spokesperson Ned Price walking to podium

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Ned Price, State Department Spokesperson:

"The WHO (World Health Organization) is leading this investigation. We clearly support this investigation, we recognize there is an urgent need for an investigation. But I wouldn't want to be conclusive yet about any sort of cooperation that the WHO may or may not have received from China."

++BLACK FRAMES++

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Ned Price, State Department Spokesperson:

"We look forward to seeing this report, we're supportive of the WHO investigation. And I think more broadly, too, we can speak to our own efforts. We will work with our partners and also draw on information collected and analyzed by our own intelligence community to evaluate the report once we've received it, as well as the data from the WHO evaluation."

++BLACK FRAMES++

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Ned Price, State Department Spokesperson:

"I don't think there is any reasonable person who would argue that the coronavirus originated elsewhere. So that is why our focus is on this WHO investigation. We look forward again to seeing the report, to seeing the underlying data, to using what we may have within our own reach based on our own intelligence and analysis to try to corroborate what the WHO has found and to reach our own conclusions."

++BLACK FRAMES++

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Ned Price, State Department Spokesperson:

"The State Department again wants to see the report. We want to see the underlying data. We intend to marry that underlying data with what is in our own broader holdings to include within our intelligence community. We are going to base our conclusions on nothing other than the data, nothing other than the science. And based on that, we'll come to a conclusion."

++BLACK FRAMES++

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Ned Price, State Department Spokesperson:

"We strongly condemn violence against demonstrators. All individuals in Burma have rights to freedom of expression, association, peaceful assembly, including for the purposes of peaceful protest. We repeat our calls for the military to relinquish power, restore democratically elected government, release those detained and lift all telecommunication restrictions and to refrain from violence."

++BLACK FRAMES++

7. SOUNDBITE (English) Ned Price, State Department Spokesperson:

"We are continuing to make this a priority. We are making no bones about where we stand when it comes to the military's need to relinquish power. As you've also heard us say, we are undertaking a careful review of the assistance that we provide to Burma and with an eye towards ensuring that those responsible for this coup do face significant consequences."

8. Wide of briefing

U.S. health regulators pledged again Thursday to try to ban menthol cigarettes, this time under pressure from African American groups to remove the mint flavor popular among Black smokers.

The Food and Drug Administration has attempted several times to get rid of menthol but faced pushback from Big Tobacco, members of Congress and competing political interests in both the Obama and Trump administrations. Any menthol ban will take years to implement and will likely face legal challenges from tobacco companies.

Thursday's announcement is the result of a lawsuit filed by anti-smoking and medical groups last summer to force the FDA to finally make a decision on menthol, alleging that regulators had "unreasonably delayed" responding to a 2013 petition seeking to ban the flavor.

Dr. Karen Beard, a psychologist who is trained in smoking cessation, said it's potentially a big victory for Black public health.

"Banning menthol cigarettes now will take these products off the market," Dr. Beard said.  "It will also mean that the tobacco industry can no longer target African Americans with these mentholated cigarettes."

Dr. Jin Ho Yoon, a psychiatrist and behavioral sciences professor UT Health McGovern Medical School in Houston, said menthol cigarettes were targeted at African Americans because flavored tobaccos get smokers to consume more nicotine. He's studied smoking rates in communities of color.

"We know the impact is pretty clear. It's estimated that half of Black smokers wouldn't be smoking were it not simply for the availability of menthol cigarettes," Dr. Yoon said.

The deadline for the agency's response was Thursday. The FDA said it aims to propose regulations banning the flavor in the coming year and declined to speculate on when the rule would be finalized.

The action would also ban menthol and fruity flavors from low-cost, small cigars, which are increasingly popular with young people, especially Black teens.

Menthol is the only cigarette flavor that was not banned under the 2009 law that gave the FDA authority over tobacco products, an exemption negotiated by industry lobbyists. The act did, though, instruct the agency to continue to weigh banning menthol.

The flavor's persistence has infuriated anti-smoking advocates, who point to research that menthol's numbing effect masks the harshness of smoking, likely making it easier to start and harder to quit.

The mint-flavored cigarettes are overwhelmingly used by young people and minorities, particularly Black smokers, 85% of whom smoke menthols. That compares to about a third of white smokers.

++SOME SHOTS MUTE AT SOURCE++

Washington – 29 April 2021

1. People smoking in the city, African American man smoking cigarette

Charlotte, North Carolina – 25 July 2007

++MUTE++

2. File photo, packs of Kool cigarettes are shown at Charlie's Tobacco Outlet in Charlotte, N.C.

Los Angeles – 29 April 2021

++QUALITY AS INCOMING++

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Dr. Karen Beard, Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist:

"Banning menthol cigarettes now will take these products off the market. It will also mean that the tobacco industry can no longer target African Americans with these mentholated cigarettes. We see that as a great move toward getting all tobacco products out of the community."

Washington – 29 April 2021

4. African American woman smoking outside of Washington DC Union Station

Los Angeles – 29 April 2021

++QUALITY AS INCOMING++

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Dr. Karen Beard, Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist:

"They wouldn't do what they do if they weren't making money out of it. It's not that there's no rhyme nor reason, they did a lot of research to identify markets that would be easy to get into and that they could make a lot of money."

San Francisco - 17 May 2018

++MUTE++

6. File photo of packs of Newport cigarettes displayed at Ted's Market in San Francisco.

Raleigh, North Carolina - 26 July 2006

++MUTE++

7. Kool cigarettes, made by Reynolds American Inc., line the shelves at Smoker Friendly in Raleigh, N.C.

Houston – 29 April 2021

++QUALITY AS INCOMING++

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Dr. Jin Ho Yoon, UT Health, McGovern Medical School:

"We know the impact is pretty clear. It's estimated that half of Black smokers wouldn't be smoking were it not simply for the availability of menthol cigarettes."

Washington – 29 April 2021

9. Various, African American man smoking, talking on phone outside train station

Houston – 29 April 2021

++QUALITY AS INCOMING++

10. SOUNDBITE (English) Dr. Jin Ho Yoon, UT Health, McGovern Medical School:

"It makes people smoke cigarettes easier, right? It smoothens the experience, so what ends up happening is people take bigger drags, they absorb more nicotine. And in the end that's the name of the game for cigarettes, they want find a way to have take in as much nicotine as possible."

Washington – 29 April 2021

11. Various people on street, African American man smoking

MOFA Briefing

Spokesperson: Hua Chunying

Date: 19 February 2021

Duration: 05:34

1. Reports say Chinese vaccines have been warmly welcomed by developing countries. Any comment?

By carrying out the international vaccine cooperation, we aim to make the vaccine a global public good. We believe that all countries should work together to resist vaccine nationalism and promote the impartial and reasonable distribution of vaccines.

2. U.S. treasurer said during an interview Thursday that the tariffs the Trump administration imposed on Chinese goods will remain in place, hoping China will continue to make good on its promises. Also, the U.S. chamber of commerce issued a report Wednesday that the complete decoupling with China will deal a serious blow to various U.S. industries, such as aviation, semiconductor and medical equipment. Any comment? (Question 2 and 3 are the same)

As to the trade war launched by the pervious U.S. administration against China, there has been a lot of opposition in the U.S., arguing that this approach will not help the U.S. solve its own problems at home and will even make the U.S. own businesses and consumers to pay for the consequence. The nature of the China-U.S. economic and trade relations is mutually beneficial and win-win, and there are no winners in trade wars. This has been proven by a large number of facts.

3. U.S. treasurer said during an interview Thursday that the tariffs the Trump administration imposed on Chinese goods will remain in place, hoping China will continue to make good on its promises. Also, the U.S. chamber of commerce issued a report Wednesday that the complete decoupling with China will deal a serious blow to various U.S. industries, such as aviation, semiconductor and medical equipment. Any comment? (Question 2 and 3 are the same)

To decouple from China is to decouple from opportunity, the future, and the world. We hope that the U.S. side will listen to the voices of the business community and insightful people at home and abroad, correct the wrong practices, and work with the Chinese side to strengthen dialogue and communication, expand economic and trade cooperation on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, properly address economic and trade differences, and promote the healthy and stable development of China-U.S. economic and trade relations.

4. Reports say that Canada's foreign minister has expressed serious concerns about the human rights situation in Xinjiang and wanted to send independent investigators to Xinjiang. The Canadian conservative party  at the time called on the Canadian government to declare what the Chinese government is doing in Xinjiang as "genocide. Moreover, individual U.S. lawmakers reintroduced a revised version of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act in the House of Representatives. Australian Foreign Minister Payne has also previously called on China to allow observers, including the UN High Commissioner, to make an immediate and meaningful visit to Xinjiang without restrictions. What is China's comment on this? (Question 4 and 5 are the same)

The so-called "genocide" or "forced labor" in Xinjiang is absolutely a lie of the century. This is an ugly farce concocted by individual politicians, media and scholars from Canada, the United States, Australia and other Western countries in collusion. These people have never been to Xinjiang, they have never seen the beauty of Xinjiang with their own eyes, and they have never felt the harmony and happiness of the people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang.

5. Reports say that Canada's foreign minister has expressed serious concerns about the human rights situation in Xinjiang and wanted to send independent investigators to Xinjiang. The Canadian conservative party  at the time called on the Canadian government to declare what the Chinese government is doing in Xinjiang as "genocide. Moreover, individual U.S. lawmakers reintroduced a revised version of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act in the House of Representatives. Australian Foreign Minister Payne has also previously called on China to allow observers, including the UN High Commissioner, to make an immediate and meaningful visit to Xinjiang without restrictions. What is China's comment on this? (Question 4 and 5 are the same)

By ignoring the basic facts and going beyond the moral bottom line, the people of Canada, the United States, Australia and other countries concerned keep concocting and spreading lies about China's Xinjiang. In fact, they want to interfere in China's internal affairs under the guise of so-called human rights issues, in an attempt to undermine China's security and stability and curb the pace of China's development. I think these attempts are all in vain.

I would like to admonish these people that they had better care about their own people, pay attention to the problems that exist in their own country, and focus on solving their own domestic problems. If they insist on harming China's interests, I think what awaits them is a firm and necessary response from China.

6. China awarded five military officers and soldiers for defending national sovereignty and integrity in border clash with India troops in Galwan Velley last June. Any comment? (Question 6 and 7 are the same)

As we all know, there was a conflict in the Galwan Valley in June last year, of which responsibility doesn't lie with China. The incident left causalities. In a bid to maintain the general picture of relations between the two countries and two armies and to promote the cooling down and de-escalation of the situation, China has exercised great restraint, reflecting China's tolerance and commitment as a responsible power.

However, the Indian side has repeatedly exaggerated and hyped the casualties, distorting the truth and misleading international public opinion. Now the PLA Daily has published a report on the incident to reveal the truth. I think it is good for people to understand the truth and the right and wrong of the incident, which is also a proper tribute to the heroic martyrs defending the country.

7. China awarded five military officers and soldiers for defending national sovereignty and integrity in border clash with India troops in Galwan Velley last June. Any comment? (Question 6 and 7 are the same)

China's position on the resolution of the border issue has been consistent, and we have always been committed to properly resolving disputes through dialogue and maintaining peace and stability in the border area.

We hope to work with the Indian side to put the border issue in a proper position, so that we can work together to maintain peace and tranquility in the border area and promote the long-term healthy and stable development of relations between the two countries, which I think is in the common interests of the two peoples.

8. A follow-up question, why it takes eight months for China to reveal casualties and details?

The report aims to make public the truth. Maybe you have waited too long for it, because for some time, there have been many rumors, lies, and false information that distort the truth of the incident. That's why we believe it's important to let people know the truth. These heroes and martyrs, they will always be in the hearts of the Chinese people. The sacrifices they made to maintain national security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity will never be forgotten by the people, not even for one day.

9. Could you clarify that if you mean only 4 soldiers died since June clash last year?

As far as I understand, it's right. As I said, because everyone who made sacrifices and gave their lives for the sovereignty and security of the country will always be remembered

The biggest test yet of an experimental COVID-19 vaccine got underway Monday with the first of some 30,000 Americans rolling up their sleeves to receive shots created by the U.S. government as part of the all-out global race to stop the outbreak.

Final-stage testing of the vaccine, developed by the National Institutes of Health and Moderna Inc., began with volunteers at numerous sites around the U.S. given either a real dose or a dummy without being told which.

"I'm doing it because again, I'm a retired healthcare worker and I understand the challenges COVID-19 has caused our community, state and the whole country," said study participant Karen Juser, a retired nurse.

Juser received an injection in Binghamton, New York.

It will be months before results trickle in, and there is no guarantee the vaccine will ultimately work against the scourge that has killed about 650,000 people around the world, including almost 150,000 in the U.S.

As if to underline how high the stakes are, there were more setbacks in efforts to contain the coronavirus.

In Washington, DC, the Trump administration disclosed that national security adviser Robert O'Brien has the virus — the highest-ranking U.S. official to test positive so far. The White House said he has mild symptoms and "has been self-isolating and working from a secure location off site."

Scientists set speed records getting a made-from-scratch vaccine into such massive testing just months after the coronavirus emerged. But they stressed that the public shouldn't fear that anyone is cutting corners.

"This is a significant milestone," NIH Director Francis Collins said after the very first test injection was given, at 6:45 a.m. in Savannah, Georgia.  Iit comes at a remarkably rapid pace compared to the usual pace for vaccine preparation. It is possible to do this because of an all hands on deck effort that has been essentially 24/7 since last January when the SARS – COV2 virus called me to virus first emerged as a worldwide threat."

After volunteers get two doses a month apart, scientists will closely track which group experiences more infections as they go about their daily routines, especially in areas where the virus is spreading unchecked.

The answer probably won't come until November or December, cautioned Dr. Anthony Fauci, NIH's infectious-diseases chief.

Among many questions the study may answer: How much protection does just one dose offer compared with the two scientists think are needed? If it works, will it protect against severe disease or block infection entirely?

Don't expect a vaccine as strong as the measles vaccine, which prevents about 97% of measles infections, Fauci said, adding he would be happy with a COVID-19 vaccine that's 60% effective.

Several other vaccines made by China and by Britain's Oxford University began smaller final-stage tests in Brazil and other hard-hit countries earlier this month. But the U.S. requires its own tests of any vaccine that might be used in the country.  

Every month through the fall, the government-funded COVID-19 Prevention Network will roll out a new study of a leading candidate, each with 30,000 volunteers.

The final U.S. study of the Oxford shot is set to begin in August, followed by a candidate from Johnson & Johnson in September and one from Novavax in October. Pfizer Inc. plans its own 30,000-person study this summer.

That's a stunning number of people needed to roll up their sleeves for science. In recent weeks, more than 150,000 Americans filled out an online registry signaling interest, Collins said. But many more are needed.

NIH is working to make sure that the study isn't just filled with healthy, younger volunteers but includes populations hit hardest by COVID-19, including older adults, those in poor health and African-Americans and Latinos.

"Well, this is called warp speed, and this has moved at a pace it's unprecedented that nothing is being done here to compromise the safety of this particular trial or others like it, nor will be compromised on an ultimate conclusion about whether the vaccine is effective." Collins said.

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Binghamton, New York – 27 July 2020

1. Various of participant Karen Juser getting vaccine

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Karen Juser, Study Participant

"I'm doing it because again, I'm a retired healthcare worker and I understand the challenges COVID-19 has caused our community, and state and the whole country."

3. Wide of nurse speaking to participant Karen Juser

ARCHIVE: Washington, DC – 7 May 2020

4. STILL of Dr. Francis Collins speaking during a Senate Health Education Labor and Pensions Committee hearing on new coronavirus tests on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.

Washington, DC – 27 July 2020

++AUDIO OVERLAID ON PHOTO++

5. AUDIO ONLY (English) Dr. Francis Collins, Director, National Institutes of Health

"This is a significant milestone and it comes at a remarkably rapid pace compared to the usual pace for vaccine preparation. It is possible to do this because of an all hands on deck effort that has been essentially 24/7 since last January when the SARS – COV2 virus called me to virus first emerged as a worldwide threat."

Binghamton, New York – 27 July 2020

6. Wide of nurse taking notes

ARCHIVE: Washington, DC – 7 May 2020

7. STILL of Dr. Francis Collins speaking during a Senate Health Education Labor and Pensions Committee hearing on new coronavirus tests on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.

Washington, DC – 27 July 2020

++AUDIO OVERLAID ON PHOTO++

8. AUDIO ONLY (English) Dr. Francis Collins, Director, National Institutes of Health

"Well, this is called warp speed, and this has moved at a pace it's unprecedented that nothing is being done here to compromise the safety of this particular trial or others like it, nor will be compromised on an ultimate conclusion about whether the vaccine is effective."

Binghamton, New York – 27 July 2020

9. Wide of study participant Wade Bardo getting a shot

ARCHIVE: Washington, DC – 22 April 2020

10. STILL of Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, speaks about the new coronavirus in the James Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House, in Washington, DC

Washington, DC – 27 July 2020

++AUDIO OVERLAID ON PHOTO++

11. AUDIO ONLY (English) Dr. Anthony Fauci,Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases:

"Indeed, we are participating today in the launching of a truly historic event in the history of vaccinology in that this is the first Phase 3 launch of a COVID-19 vaccine."

Binghamton, New York – 27 July 2020

12. Wide of study participant Wade Bardo getting a shot

The biggest test yet of an experimental COVID-19 vaccine got underway Monday with the first of some 30,000 Americans rolling up their sleeves to receive shots created by the U.S. government as part of the all-out global race to stop the outbreak.

Final-stage testing of the vaccine, developed by the National Institutes of Health and Moderna Inc., began with volunteers at numerous sites around the U.S. given either a real dose or a dummy without being told which.

"I'm doing it because again, I'm a retired healthcare worker and I understand the challenges COVID-19 has caused our community, state and the whole country," said study participant Karen Juser, a retired nurse.

Juser received an injection in Binghamton, New York.

It will be months before results trickle in, and there is no guarantee the vaccine will ultimately work against the scourge that has killed about 650,000 people around the world, including almost 150,000 in the U.S.

As if to underline how high the stakes are, there were more setbacks in efforts to contain the coronavirus.

In Washington, the Trump administration disclosed that national security adviser Robert O'Brien has the virus — the highest-ranking U.S. official to test positive so far. The White House said he has mild symptoms and "has been self-isolating and working from a secure location off site."

Scientists set speed records getting a made-from-scratch vaccine into such massive testing just months after the coronavirus emerged. But they stressed that the public shouldn't fear that anyone is cutting corners.

"This is a significant milestone," NIH Director Francis Collins said after the very first test injection was given, at 6:45 a.m. in Savannah, Georgia.  Iit comes at a remarkably rapid pace compared to the usual pace for vaccine preparation. It is possible to do this because of an all hands on deck effort that has been essentially 24/7 since last January when the SARS – COV2 virus called me to virus first emerged as a worldwide threat."

After volunteers get two doses a month apart, scientists will closely track which group experiences more infections as they go about their daily routines, especially in areas where the virus is spreading unchecked.

The answer probably won't come until November or December, cautioned Dr. Anthony Fauci, NIH's infectious-diseases chief.

Among many questions the study may answer: How much protection does just one dose offer compared with the two scientists think are needed? If it works, will it protect against severe disease or block infection entirely?

Don't expect a vaccine as strong as the measles vaccine, which prevents about 97% of measles infections, Fauci said, adding he would be happy with a COVID-19 vaccine that's 60% effective.

Several other vaccines made by China and by Britain's Oxford University began smaller final-stage tests in Brazil and other hard-hit countries earlier this month. But the U.S. requires its own tests of any vaccine that might be used in the country.  

Every month through the fall, the government-funded COVID-19 Prevention Network will roll out a new study of a leading candidate, each with 30,000 volunteers.

The final U.S. study of the Oxford shot is set to begin in August, followed by a candidate from Johnson & Johnson in September and one from Novavax in October. Pfizer Inc. plans its own 30,000-person study this summer.

That's a stunning number of people needed to roll up their sleeves for science. In recent weeks, more than 150,000 Americans filled out an online registry signaling interest, Collins said. But many more are needed.

NIH is working to make sure that the study isn't just filled with healthy, younger volunteers but includes populations hit hardest by COVID-19, including older adults, those in poor health and African-Americans and Latinos.

"Well, this is called warp speed, and this has moved at a pace it's unprecedented that nothing is being done here to compromise the safety of this particular trial or others like it, nor will be compromised on an ultimate conclusion about whether the vaccine is effective." Collins said.

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Binghamton, New York – 27 July 2020

1. Various of participant Karen Juser getting vaccine

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Karen Juser, Study Participant

"I'm doing it because again, I'm a retired healthcare worker and I understand the challenges COVID-19 has caused our community, and state and the whole country."

3. Wide of nurse speaking to participant Karen Juser

ARCHIVE: Washington – 7 May 2020

4. STILL of Dr. Francis Collins speaking during a Senate Health Education Labor and Pensions Committee hearing on new coronavirus tests on Capitol Hill in Washington.

Washington – 27 July 2020

++AUDIO OVERLAID ON PHOTO++

5. AUDIO ONLY (English) Dr. Francis Collins, Director, National Institutes of Health

"This is a significant milestone and it comes at a remarkably rapid pace compared to the usual pace for vaccine preparation. It is possible to do this because of an all hands on deck effort that has been essentially 24/7 since last January when the SARS – COV2 virus called me to virus first emerged as a worldwide threat."

Binghamton, New York – 27 July 2020

6. Wide of nurse taking notes

ARCHIVE: Washington – 7 May 2020

7. STILL of Dr. Francis Collins speaking during a Senate Health Education Labor and Pensions Committee hearing on new coronavirus tests on Capitol Hill in Washington.

Washington – 27 July 2020

++AUDIO OVERLAID ON PHOTO++

8. AUDIO ONLY (English) Dr. Francis Collins, Director, National Institutes of Health

"Well, this is called warp speed, and this has moved at a pace it's unprecedented that nothing is being done here to compromise the safety of this particular trial or others like it, nor will be compromised on an ultimate conclusion about whether the vaccine is effective."

Binghamton, New York – 27 July 2020

9. Wide of study participant Wade Bardo getting a shot

ARCHIVE: Washington – 22 April 2020

10. STILL of Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, speaks about the new coronavirus in the James Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House, in Washington

Washington – 27 July 2020

++AUDIO OVERLAID ON PHOTO++

11. AUDIO ONLY (English) Dr. Anthony Fauci,Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases:

"Indeed, we are participating today in the launching of a truly historic event in the history of vaccinology in that this is the first Phase 3 launch of a COVID-19 vaccine."

Binghamton, New York – 27 July 2020

12. Wide of study participant Wade Bardo getting a shot