HRSA Announces New $350 Million Initiative to Increase COVID-19 Vaccinations
HRSA Announces New $350 Million Initiative to Increase COVID-19 Vaccinations
Today, HHS through HRSA announced a new $350 million initiative for HRSA-supported health centers to increase COVID-19 vaccines in their communities, with a specific focus on underserved populations. This funding supports the Biden Administration’s efforts to get more Americans their updated COVID-19 vaccine before the end of the year. Health centers can use these one-time funds to expand outreach and education, community engagement, and coordinated events to increase COVID-19 vaccinations through mobile, drive-up, walk-up, or community-based vaccination events, including working with community- and faith-based organizations. The goal is to raise awareness and increase the administration of COVID-19 vaccinations, especially among the hardest hit and highest risk populations. Read the HHS press release.
HRSA will release these awards as we did with previous emergency COVID-19 funding, permitting health centers to immediately use the funds consistent with the terms of the award and purpose of funding once awarded. We anticipate awarding fiscal year 2023 Expanding COVID-19 Vaccination (ECV) funds in early December. Health centers will then have 30 days to submit information about planned activities and costs to be supported by the funding.
Eligible organizations include:
- All current Health Center Program (H80) grant recipients, and
- Health Center Program look-alikes that previously received American Rescue Plan funding (L2C).
The ECV funding will support health centers in addressing the urgent need to increase access to and confidence in COVID-19 vaccines. HRSA encourages health centers to begin planning how to use ECV funding, with a focus on activities that can be conducted within the first 3 months of the award.
Activities may include:
- Outreach and Education
- Working with Community Partners
- Vaccine Administration
- Enabling Services
- Personnel
- Hours and Availability
- Training
- Supplies
HRSA is developing an ECV technical assistance (TA) webpage that will include funding guidance and resources. We will share the link to the ECV TA webpage, as well as information about a TA webinar where health centers can ask questions, after the awards release. In the meantime, please submit your questions using the BPHC Contact Form under “COVID-19 Funding.” View COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions and resources on the COVID-19 Information for Health Centers webpage.
