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......, fast.

To make a real difference to this epidemic, companies will have to make millions of doses, and for that the vaccine needs to be licensed, fast.

Source: University Exam

Hi,
Isn't the red comma redundant?

Thank you.
The presence /absence of the comma changes the meaning.
With the comma, the "and for that the vaccine needs to be licensed" is a non-restrictive clause and it is the "making of millions of doses" that must happen fast.
Without the comma, it is the licensing that needs to happen fast.
With the comma, the "and for that the vaccine needs to be licensed" is a non-restrictive clause and it is the "making of millions of doses" that must happen fast.

But doesn't it look odd when that "fast" is there far at the end of the sentence, separated from "making millions of does"? My interpretation would be that "fast" refers to the licensing and the comma is there for a pause, to emphasise the importance of the licensing. What do you think about that?
But doesn't it look odd when that "fast" is there far at the end of the sentence, separated from "making millions of does"? My interpretation would be that "fast" refers to the licensing and the comma is there for a pause, to emphasise the importance of the licensing. What do you think about that?
I agree with you. As fast sounded, to me, modifying to be licensed, whether the red comma existed or not, it was with a little surprise that I read Julian's post.
I completely agree that makes more sense logically - but then a comma is not the right way to achieve that.

Logically they can make millions of doses before the vaccine is licensed but a manufacturer would not make millions of doses unless they have assurance that they could use/sell them: only when the product is licensed will they have that assurance. So, in order for them to commit to making the millions of doses needed, the product needs to be licensed - and soon.
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