CDC to provide $22B in support for expanded response efforts to COVID-19 pandemic

Before Jan. 19, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will release more than $22 billion in funding to support states, localities, and territories grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic through a mix of expanded testing and vaccination distribution efforts.

“This funding is another timely investment that will strengthen our nation’s efforts to stop the COVID-19 pandemic in America,” CDC Director Robert Redfield, MD, said. “Particularly now, it is crucial that states and communities have the resources they need to conduct testing and to distribute and administer safe, high-quality COVID-19 vaccines safely and equitably.”

This support will be divided into two actions; one through the existing CDC Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC) cooperative agreement and another through the CDC Immunization and Vaccines for Children cooperative agreement. The ELC agreement will be responsible for $19 billion of funds, support testing, contact tracing, surveillance, and more among 64 jurisdictions. Funds will be allocated through a population-based formula.

In the case of the Immunization and Vaccines for Children agreement, more than $3 billion will be utilized to support COVID-19 vaccination activities across 64 jurisdictions. Similarly, they will be allocated by a population-based formula.

All funds awarded will be as directed by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act. In all cases, California, Florida, and Texas will be among those jurisdictions to benefit most, each receiving billions for COVID-19 testing alone and hundreds of millions more for vaccination activities. American territories such as American Samoa, the Marshall Islands, Guam, and Micronesia will receive the least aid.

Several urban areas will also be receiving aid separate from their states, including New York City, Los Angeles County, Chicago, Houston, San Antonio, and Philadelphia.