New $350 million initiative to increase COVID-19 jabs in USA

As US federal funding for COVID-19 vaccines and treatments dwindles and cases decline, the Biden administration is planning to stop paying for these products and transition to a more standard purchasing process through different health care system channels, including commercial insurers and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) next year.

Against this background, yesterday, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (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 will support health centers administering updated COVID-19 vaccines through mobile, drive-up, walk-up, or community-based vaccination events, including working with community-based organizations, and other efforts to increase the administration of COVID-19 vaccines.