PHILADELPHIA – The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Region 3 has obligated more than $179 million to Virginia through the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) to aid vaccine distribution to combat COVID-19. This will assist the Commonwealth of Virginia in their comprehensive planning effort to identify multiple locations across the Commonwealth capable of functioning as large community vaccination centers (CVC). The Commonwealth has been conducting site surveys and health equity studies to determine the best location for the setup and operation of these CVCs, if needed.
Items that are funded include:
- Costs associated with Vaccine Administration.
- Facility lease costs.
- Communication materials that keep the public informed.
- Training personnel on vaccine distribution and administration.
“FEMA continues to support the Commonwealth of Virginia in administering the vaccine to the public,” said Janice Barlow, acting Regional Administrator for FEMA Region 3. “Our onsite team is working closely with VDEM to determine needs and provide Virginia with the tools required to combat this virus.”
VDEM has identified potential sites across the Commonwealth with sufficient space for the administration of vaccines and ample parking to allow for safe traffic control. No new construction or ground disturbance will be performed to establish these CVCs. These sites will allow the Commonwealth to administer mass vaccination clinics initially to priority residents and then the general public.
As of Feb. 22, 2021, FEMA has obligated $3.81 billion to our partners across the country at 100% federal cost share. This funding is for critical supplies and staffing that can help protect and save lives.
To register for a COVID-19 vaccination in Virginia go to http://www.vaccinate.virginia.gov or call 1-877-VAX-IN VA (1-877-829-4682), 8am – 8pm. Language translation available, TTY users dial 7-1-1.
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For any media questions about this news release, please contact femar3newsdesk@fema.dhs.gov.
FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3