FEMA Public Assistance Supports COVID-19 Vaccine Administration to Children

 FEMA Public Assistance Supports COVID-19 Vaccine Administration to Children

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended Tuesday that children between the ages of 5 and 11 receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Equitable distribution of the vaccine is a top priority for the Biden Administration and FEMA is supporting this priority by continuing to offer funding for state, local, tribal and territorial vaccination efforts. FEMA is helping ensure that all people, including children who are eligible, have access to the vaccine.

Since COVID-19 vaccines became available, FEMA has obligated more than $6.2 billion to support vaccination efforts in 59 states, territories, and tribes. This funding has supported over 3,600 vaccination sites. Funding remains available for all eligible applicants performing eligible vaccination work, including booster vaccines, for children and adults.

Under the direction of the Biden Administration, FEMA is funding 100% of eligible costs associated with COVID-19 response efforts through Dec. 31, 2021, which includes funding for COVID-19 vaccines for children and booster shots. After Dec. 31, 2021, FEMA funding for COVID-19 response will continue, however the percentage of costs covered may change.

Who can request funding?

Funding is being provided through FEMA’s Public Assistance program and is available to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments and eligible private non-profit organizations that own or operate medical facilities carrying out vaccination administration for people of any CDC-approved age. Governments may also contract with medical providers, including private for-profit entities, to carry out any eligible vaccination activity described in FEMA’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic: Medical Care Eligible for Public Assistance (Interim) (Version 2). Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis and FEMA will prioritize reimbursement to ensure funding is not a barrier to quick, effective and equitable vaccination efforts.

What will funding support?

FEMA will fund eligible COVID-19 vaccination activities including:

• Vaccination facilities, including community vaccination centers, mass vaccination sites, and mobile vaccinations, including necessary security and other services for sites.
• Medical and support staff, including contracted and temporary hires to administer vaccinations.
• Training and technical assistance for storing, handling, distributing, and administering of vaccinations.
• PPE, other equipment, supplies, and materials required for storing, handling, distributing/transporting, and administering vaccinations.
• Transportation support, such as refrigerated trucks and transport security, for vaccine distribution as well as reasonable transportation to and from the vaccination sites.
• Onsite infection control measures and emergency medical care for children and families at vaccination sites.
• Communication efforts that keep the public informed, including messaging campaigns, flyers, advertisements, websites, translation services, community engagement, and call centers or websites to assist with appointments or answering questions.
  
  

Is funding available for vaccines for children?

Activities associated with providing vaccines to children between the ages of 5-11, administered in accordance with FDA Emergency Use Authorizations, are eligible for funding. Vaccines were previously approved for children age 12 and older, as well as adults.

Additional Resources and Contact Information are provided in the attachment.

Respectfully,

Recovery Team
California Governor's Office of Emergency Services

 

• FEMA_Advisory_FEMA_Public_Assistance_Supports_COVID-19_Vaccine_Administration_to_Children_20211103.pdf