As part of the effort to administer COVID-19 vaccinations to children between ages 5 and 11, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said that it could reimburse expenses for vaccination programs.
FEMA is using its Public Assistance (PA) program to reimburse state, local, tribal, and territorial governments and eligible private non-profit organizations that own or operate medical facilities carrying out vaccination for people of any age approved by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). FEMA is funding 100% of eligible costs associated with COVID-19 response efforts through December 31, 2021. After December 31, FEMA will continue to COVID-19 response, but there may be a non-federal cost share.
FEMA will fund eligible COVID-19 vaccination activities, including:
- Vaccination facilities, such as community vaccination centers, mass vaccination sites and mobile vaccination efforts.
- Medical and support staff, including contracted and temporary hires to administer vaccinations.
- Training and technical assistance for storing, handling, distributing, and administering vaccinations.
- Personal protective equipment, supplies and materials required for storing, handling, distributing, transporting, and administering vaccines.
- Transportation support, such as refrigerated trucks and transportation security.
- Onsite infection control measures and emergency medical care.
- Communications efforts to keep the public informed, including messaging campaigns, advertisements and flyers, websites, translation services, community engagement efforts, and call centers.
Fire and EMS chiefs are encouraged to review FEMA’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic: Medical Care Eligible for Public Assistance (Interim)(Version 2) for more information on FEMA reimbursement for COVID-19 expenses.
Ken LaSala is the IAFC’s Director of Government Relations & Policy.