The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has set aside approximately $1.98 billion to states, tribes, territories as well as Washington D.C., for community vaccination centers.
Currently, there are 175 federally supported vaccine centers operational across the country. The federal government plans to launch a small number of pilot community vaccination sites using primarily federal staff to support state and local governments. These pilot centers will allow FEMA to ensure the success of a small number of centers before ramping up in the weeks and months ahead. Last week, FEMA announced plans to launch pilot centers in Los Angeles and Oakland. FEMA will provide the resources, operational support, and federal staffing support to establish these new centers. They will be open starting Feb. 16.
Additionally, President Joseph Biden directed FEMA to retroactively reimburse states for 100 percent of their costs for eligible emergency protective measures, including masks, gloves, emergency feeding actions, sheltering at-risk populations, and mobilizing the National Guard. Biden also directed FEMA to expand the activities eligible for reimbursement for work conducted after Jan. 21, 2021, and until Sept. 30, 2021. Reimbursement applies to costs to support the safe opening and operation of eligible schools, child-care facilities, healthcare facilities, non-congregate shelters, domestic violence shelters, transit systems, and other eligible applicants incurred after Jan. 21.
Further, FEMA is working with the Ad Council to encourage hesitant or underrepresented Americans to get vaccinated. The public education campaign provides federal, non-profit, and medical stakeholders with insights and communications strategies to tailor communications to reach diverse audiences.