AstraZeneca again cuts coronavirus vaccine delivery targets in Europe

After a very public back-and-forth over unexpectedly tight COVID-19 vaccine supplies in Europe earlier this year, AstraZeneca said it would aim to deliver 40 million doses in the first quarter. Now, it's rolling the estimate back to 30 million doses, Reuters reports—about the same number that triggered the initial controversy. The company confirmed the shortfall in a statement on Friday. AstraZeneca originally committed to delivering 90 million doses to the continent during the first three months of the year, Reuters reports, but has run into problems getting its supply chain up to speed. In January, the company cut its delivery target to 31 million—and an outcry ensued. CEO Pascal Soriot went on the defense, but European officials were adamant. Eventually, AZ said it would push to deliver 40 million doses.