Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said Wednesday that he's already met with Joe Biden's transition team and will be happy to meet with his own potential successor, California Attorney General Xavier Becerra when the time is right.
"We will ensure a full, cooperative professional transition," Azar said on CNN's "New Day," adding that it would be up to the Senate to confirm Becerra. "I have already met with the Biden transition team. We want to make sure that they get everything that they need."
His comments come while President Donald Trump's campaign is continuing its legal challenges against the November election, and before the president has conceded the race to Biden.
Azar said that "one has to be respectful of the Senate confirmation" concerning Becerra, but he will "be in touch."
"I want to ensure that any transition is as smooth, as professional as possible because we are about ensuring the health and well-being of the American people and that's what matters to me," said Azar. "I'm going to do anything I need to do to make sure no balls are dropped in terms of protecting the American people."
Azar also on Wednesday said he was still learning the news that two British healthcare workers suffered severe allergic reactions to the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine but he stressed that the Food and Drug Administration will not cut any corners in its approval of the medication.
Azar also addressed reports that the government passed on the purchase of more doses of the Pfizer vaccine, pointing out that there is an option secured to buy up to 500 million more doses, plus options across six manufacturers to buy up to 3 billion doses of vaccines.
"I want the American people to know we will use every power we have under the Defense Production Act to make sure the American people get what they need," said Azar, noting the act would be used to secure raw materials, equipment, and more for the drugmakers.
Azar also addressed the recent news concerning Trump's attorney Rudy Giuliani and his COVID diagnosis, after the former New York mayor said Tuesday that Trump had told him he could "get it over within three days" if he was hospitalized.
Azar said he couldn't comment on Giuliani, but work is going on to try to determine how to get antiviral therapy to people early in their illnesses so they do not have to enter hospitals.