Biden-Harris Administration Invests $10 Billion to Address Disparities in Vaccine Confidence and Distribution

April 08, 2021 by Alec Stone MA, MPA, Former ONS Director of Government Affairs and Advocacy

The Biden-Harris administration allocated $10 billion to strengthen public perception of COVID-19 coronavirus vaccines and ensure all Americans, including communities of color, those in rural areas, low-income populations, and other underserved communities in the pandemic response, receive their vaccinations.

Of that total, the administration is dedicating $3 billion to local health departments and community-based organizations so they can launch programs that increase vaccine access, acceptance, and uptake.

The administration also (https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/03/25/fact-sheet-biden-administration-announces-historic-10-billion-investment-to-expand-access-to-covid-19-vaccines-and-build-vaccine-confidence-in-hardest-hit-and-highest-risk-communities/):

“National Institutes of Health scientists created something that will save your life and the life of your family and the community,” Vice President Kamala Harris said (https://nihrecord.nih.gov/2021/02/19/vice-president-visits-nih-complete-covid-vaccination) after receiving her second dose of the Moderna vaccine. “I want to urge everyone to take the vaccine when it is your turn.”

Nurses remain the most trusted profession (https://voice.ons.org/news-and-views/nurses-break-record-as-most-trusted-profession-for-19-years-running) in the United States. Now more than ever, during a health emergency (https://voice.ons.org/advocacy/the-public-trusts-nurses-voices-during-health-emergencies), use your voice to spread accurate information about vaccines (https://voice.ons.org/advocacy/how-public-health-can-stop-the-pandemic-hint-its-covid-19-vaccination) so patients can feel confident in taking the steps to protect themselves and their loved ones.


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