In response to a request from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) have formed a committee that will develop an overarching framework to assist policymakers in the U.S. and global health communities in planning for equitable allocation of vaccines against COVID-19.  The committee will hold its first meeting on July 24.

As part of the study, the committee will consider what criteria should be used to set priorities for equitable distribution among groups of potential vaccine recipients, taking into account factors such as population health disparities; individuals at higher risk because of health status, occupation, or living conditions; and geographic distribution of active virus spread.  In addition, the committee will consider how communities of color can be assured access to COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S. and recommend strategies to mitigate vaccine hesitancy among the American public.

“While there has been a worldwide effort to accelerate development of safe and effective SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, there will inevitably be limited doses available for the first several months,” said NAM President Victor J. Dzau.  “We are pleased to be able to mobilize expertise quickly to respond to the government’s request for an independent study of priority-setting for the equitable allocation of potential vaccines for SARS-CoV-2.  We look forward to providing a framework to advise policymakers and health authorities as they plan for these allocation decisions, as well as to help inform the American public’s understanding of this critical issue.”

The first meeting will include presentations from the sponsors, including NIH Director Francis Collins and CDC Director Robert Redfield.  The committee is co-chaired by William Foege, emeritus presidential distinguished professor of international health at the Emory Rollins School of Public Health, and Helene Gayle, president and CEO of the Chicago Community Trust.  The individuals on the committee have expertise in global and domestic public health, vaccinology, epidemiology, health equity and disparities, health economics, obstetrics and pediatrics, ethics, legal and regulatory issues, occupational health, operations and systems research, and community engagement and risk communication.

In order to incorporate feedback from the public and stakeholder groups, the committee will produce a discussion draft of its report for public comment and hold a public workshop to discuss its recommendations later this summer.  The final version of the report is expected to be released early this fall.

Details:
Friday, July 24, 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. EDT
Virtual - Zoom webinar
Agenda

Reporters who wish to attend the virtual meeting should register in advance.

Contacts:
Dana Korsen, Media Relations Manager
Stephanie Miceli, Media Relations Officer
Office of News and Public Information
202-334-2138
news@nas.edu

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