The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on Nov. 22 announced a new $350 million initiative to increase COVID-19 vaccinations in underserved populations.
The funding will facilitate the administration of updated COVID-19 vaccines at Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)–supported health centers through mobile, drive-up, walk-up, and community-based vaccination events. The funding also supports efforts to mitigate access barriers under-resourced communities face.
HRSA leaders anticipate these efforts also will increase flu and childhood vaccinations through combined vaccination events amid the recent surge in respiratory viruses, including influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus infection (RSV).
The initiative is a part of a six-week campaign by the Biden administration to bolster COVID-19 vaccinations before the end of the year, with a focus on older adults and communities hardest hit by the pandemic.
As part of the campaign, HHS also will award $125 million in grants to national organizations that serve people with disabilities and older adults through the Administration for Community Living.
Additionally, the campaign establishes new enforcement guidance to ensure nursing homes offer updated COVID-19 vaccines and timely treatment to residents and staff.
NIH Launches COVID-19 Self-Reporting Website
The National Institutes of Health on Nov. 22 launched a new website for Americans to self-report COVID-19 test results anonymously.
The Make My Test Count website will provide public health departments with critical data to help them better understand how COVID-19 is spreading and modify local and state responses.
Users will not need to provide specific personal information, such as name or date of birth, but will be asked for general information, such as age and home ZIP code. However, those reporting can voluntarily share their race, ethnicity, sex, and whether or not they have any COVID-19 symptoms.
Visit the America’s Essential Hospitals coronavirus resource page for more information about the pandemic.
Contact Senior Director of Policy Erin O’Malley at eomalley@essentialhospitals.org or 202.585.0127 with questions.
