Biden-Harris Administration Invests $10 Billion to Address Disparities in Vaccine Confidence and Distribution
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.
- Established federally operated vaccination centers in hard-hit areas.
- Sent vaccines directly to local pharmacies and community health centers that disproportionately serve vulnerable populations.
- Launched hundreds of mobile clinics to meet people where they are.
- Created the COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force (https://www.minorityhealth.hhs.gov/omh/browse.aspx?lvl=2&lvlid=100).
“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.