FEMA Supports Vaccine Distribution: COVID-19 Response Update

Release Date Release Number
HQ-21-059
Release Date:
March 8, 2021

WASHINGTON -- Federally supported community vaccination centers are opening tomorrow in Chicago and Greensboro, North Carolina, adding to the more than 500 centers already operating nationwide.

Acting FEMA Administrator Bob Fenton is helping to open the vaccination center at Chicago’s United Center — geographically situated to support medically underserved communities in the west and south sides of the city and capable of administering 6,000 shots per day.

“We can proudly say it will soon be a center where tens of thousands of Illinoisans — grandmothers, grandfathers, mothers, fathers, siblings and friends — can gain access to one of the most important tools available to fight this global pandemic,” said Fenton. “But more than that, we are working to ensure that vaccinations reach underserved communities to meet our commitment to equity.”

FEMA has now provided more than $4.24 billion for expenses related to COVID-19 vaccination at 100% federal cost share. These funds cover critical supplies, staffing, training and transportation needs that support increased vaccination efforts, such as standing up and supplementing vaccination centers daily.

“In the past two weeks we’ve successfully launched 16 pilot community vaccination centers with our state partners coast-to-coast and are constantly reviewing data at these sites to ensure we’re reaching the most vulnerable in these communities, ensuring everyone who wants a vaccine can get one,” said Fenton.

Additionally, there are more than 50 mobile vaccination centers serving communities across the nation.

FEMA recently published an updated civil rights bulletin, “Ensuring Civil Rights in Multiple Disasters During COVID-19” to assist partners, communities and individuals with best practices for communities facing a disproportionate rate of COVID-19 illness and death.

To support the deaf and hard of hearing community, FEMA continues providing live on-demand American Sign Language interpreters at all federally supported community vaccination centers during each center’s hours of operation.

President Biden challenged federal agencies to help administer 100 million vaccines in 100 days. “We are well on our way of achieving that goal with more than 63 million doses administered last week,” said Fenton.

Find vaccine updates in your community and more information from your local health department to confirm if you can get a vaccine. You can also find a list of places where adults can get a vaccine.

Visit FEMA.Gov for information on FEMA’s vaccination support efforts.

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