COVID-19 vaccine

HHS recently announced the ‘HHS Bridge Access Program For COVID-19 Vaccines and Treatments Program’ creating a $1.1 billion public-private partnership to help maintain uninsured individuals’ access to COVID-19 care at their local pharmacies, through existing public health infrastructure, and at their local health centers. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will purchase and distribute COVID-19 vaccines to 64 state and local health department immunization awardees, and the awardees will distribute vaccines to local health departments and health centers supported by the federal Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Second, create is creating a novel, funded partnership with pharmacy chains.

The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities has launched a new vaccination resource website for the I/DD community. The site shares trusted sources to help inform vaccine decisions among the community and caregivers.

On March 29th, President Biden announced several actions to expand access to COVID-19 vaccines, including an exciting partnership between ACL and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to increase vaccine access for people with disabilities and older adults. Read the news release for more information about funding distribution.

The American Association on Health and Disability is concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on persons with disabilities, and has launched a cross disability survey to look at vaccine hesitancy and access challenges people with disabilities are encountering. The purpose of the survey is to better understand the reasons adults with disabilities have or will take the vaccine, are not sure about taking the vaccine, or have decided not to take the vaccine.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), issued updated guidance for nursing homes to safely expand visitation options during the COVID-19 pandemic public health emergency. This latest guidance comes as more than 3 million doses of vaccines have been administered within nursing homes. Read the full guidance for more information.