FEMA Commits to $245M for COVID-19 Vaccinations

Florida Senator Stephanie Murphy (D) announced this week that FEMA had committed to providing $245 Million to the Sunshine State to assist in COVID-19 vaccination costs. The announcement comes at a time when Florida continues to experience skyrocketing cases.

Informing that “after months of urging the federal government to send additional resources to our state, I’m happy to share FEMA will provide Florida with $245M to fund vaccination efforts.” The leader of the Blue Dog Coalition also commented that “this funding will help us put an end to this deadly pandemic & save lives.”

Specifically, the money provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency will go towards “equipment and supplies needed for storing, handling, and distributing vaccines,” “personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff and patients,” “leasing facilities for storying and administering vaccines,” “additional medical and support staff, including facility infection control measures,” “emergency medical care,” “equipment for the safe disposal of medical waste,” and “communications to disseminate public information.”

Gracia Szczech, the regional administrator for FEMA Region IV, further expressed that “this funding will help the state distribute and administer COVID-19 vaccinations to more Floridians,” adding that “we have been working closely with our state partners since the onset of the pandemic, and these dollars will assist with their ongoing efforts.”