House panel examines how to speed COVID-19 vaccinations

The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations today held a hearing to examine the distribution and administration of COVID-19 vaccines. Testifying at the hearing were public health officials from Illinois, Michigan, West Virginia, Louisiana and Colorado.

In a letter Friday to the committee, AHA urged Congress to provide additional funds to the Provider Relief Fund and for vaccine distribution and administration, which will allow continued support for hospitals facing lost revenues related to COVID-19 and additional expenses to purchase supplies and equipment; staff, construct and retrofit facilities; and create emergency testing and vaccination centers.

It also called for stronger federal leadership to resolve vaccine rollout challenges across the states.

“We understand the Administration recently announced a new three-week look-ahead to provide states with more clarity around their allotments,” the letter notes. “This change is an important first step at decreasing uncertainty; however, more must be done through strategic communication and coordination to achieve the vital goal of vaccinating millions of people per day.”