Frontline News, Edition 7

PRESIDENT BIDEN ANNOUNCES PUSH TO INCREASE ACCESS TO VACCINATION

The demand for COVID-19 vaccines far outstrips current supplies and the Biden-Harris administration has made increasing supplies part of his new comprehensive strategy to combat the virus. The administration’s goal is to deliver 100 million shots in 100 days and expand access to vaccines to more Americans in the coming weeks by expanding the vaccine supply and creating more vaccination locations through a Federal Retail Pharmacy Program.

Currently, over 38 million people have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, so 100 million shots in 100 days will be a big increase.

The first part of the Biden Administration’s plan is to increase the supply of vaccine delivered to states by 22% so 10.5 million doses are getting out each week. New York State is already seeing an increase in supply since Biden-Harris administration came into office, with the average weekly supply going from 400,000 doses in January to 500,000 doses in February.

The second part of the Biden-Harris plan is to increase access to COVID-19 vaccines by launching a Federal Retail Pharmacy Program, with 21 national pharmacy chains and networks of independent pharmacies representing over 40,000 pharmacies nationwide.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) worked with states to select initial pharmacy partners based on a number of factors, including their ability to reach some of the populations most at risk for severe illness from COVID-19. You should check your pharmacy’s website to find out if vaccine is available as supply will initially be limited.

For a list of participating pharmacies, click here.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Q: Can a COVID-19 vaccine make me sick with COVID-19?

A: No. None of the authorized and recommended COVID-19 vaccines or COVID-19 vaccines currently in development in the United States contain the live virus that causes COVID-19. This means that a COVID-19 vaccine cannot make you sick with COVID-19.

It typically takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity (protection against the virus that causes COVID-19) after vaccination. That means it’s possible a person could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or just after vaccination and still get sick. This is because the vaccine has not had enough time to provide protection.

“MEMBER VOICES"

At first I was skeptical, but then I did my research. I have a son with asthma and a niece with diabetes and lives with me, so it’s important for me to protect them. Wearing a mask and social distancing are helpful, but getting vaccinated is the best way to keep myself and others safe.”

IRIS SMITH
HOME HEALTH AIDE
PREMIERE, NYC

WHERE DO I SIGN UP FOR THE VACCINE?

Most healthcare workers are getting their vaccines at their workplace, but many of us need to use public vaccination locations. In addition, many of us have family members who are also trying to find a vaccination location. Below are links to find where to sign up for a vaccine in your state if your workplace is not vaccinating staff. Supplies are still short of demand so be patient and be persistent! Click the links below for more information about vaccination locations and availability in your region.

NEW YORK

https://am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/

https://vaccinefinder.nyc.gov/

NEW JERSEY

https://covidvaccine.nj.gov

MASSACHUSETTS

https://vaxfinder.mass.gov/

MARYLAND

https://coronavirus.maryland.gov/pages/vaccine

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

https://coronavirus.dc.gov/vaccinatedc

FLORIDA

https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/covid-19-vaccines-in-florida/

FAQs/Questions/Links/Info

FAQs compiled and updated regularly by 1199’s Benefit Fund and the first place to go for questions about the Covid-19 vaccine, where to get it, and other concerns.

Other questions about the COVID-19 vaccine?