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Citation:                FEMA-1763-DR-IA; City of Cedar Rapids PW 3918

Cross -

Reference:            Emergency Protective Measures

Summary:            On May 25, 2008, severe storms and flooding caused damage to the City of Cedar Rapids (Applicant).  The Applicant vaccinated first responders and provided medical supplies as an emergency protective measure and in support of rescue missions resulting from the flooding. FEMA prepared PW 3918 for $9,735 to document the cost of the vaccines and medical supplies. On October 30, 2008, FEMA determined the costs requested were ineligible under Response and Recovery Policy 9525.4, Medical Care and Evacuations, dated August 17, 1999, the policy in effect at the time of the disaster.

The Applicant submitted its first appeal on March 30, 2010 requesting $9,735 for vaccinations because updates to Disaster Assistance Policy DAP 9525.4, Emergency Medical Care and Medical Evacuations, dated July 15, 2008, include vaccinations as eligible costs. The Applicant also asserted that the vaccinations were an emergency protective measure recommended by the Center for Disease Control and required by City’s Immunization Program. In a letter dated August 26, 2010, FEMA denied the appeal because the costs requested were not eligible under the policy in effect at the time of the disaster.  

The Applicant submitted its second appeal on November 15, 2010, asserting that the costs are reasonable and the updated policy provisions should be made retroactive.  

Issue:                    Are the costs of providing vaccines eligible under Response and Recovery Policy 9525.4, Medical Care and Evacuations, dated August 17, 1999?

Finding:                 No.

Rationale:              Response and Recovery Policy 9525.4, Medical Care and Evacuations, dated August 17, 1999