A National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine committee tasked with developing an overarching framework to assist policymakers in planning for equitable allocation of a vaccine against COVID-19 will issue a discussion draft of the preliminary framework for public comment on Sept. 1.  The committee was formed in July in response to a request to the National Academy of Medicine from the National Institutes of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Members of the public are encouraged to submit written comments (as individuals or on behalf of an organization) for consideration by the study committee. The public comment period will be open from noon EDT Tuesday, Sept. 1, until 11:59 p.m. EDT Friday, Sept. 4.  Commenters will be able to download and review the discussion draft before submitting a comment through a form.

In addition, the study committee will host a public listening session on Sept. 2, which will include a brief presentation on the draft framework and an opportunity for members of the public to address the committee directly (as individuals or representatives of organizations).

The study will recommend priorities to inform allocation of a limited initial supply of COVID-19 vaccine, taking into account factors such as racial/ethnic and other health disparities, as well as groups at higher risk from COVID-19 due to health status, occupation, or living conditions. 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.  Other aspects of the committee’s statement of task aside from the framework, including risk communication and global considerations, among others, will be addressed in the final report, which is expected to be released early this fall. 

Details:

Discussion Draft of the Preliminary Framework for Equitable Allocation of COVID-19 Vaccine will be released Tuesday, Sept. 1, at noon EDT at nationalacademies.org/VaccineAllocationComment (link will be live at that time).  Reporters may also obtain copies from the news office.

Public Listening Session
Wednesday, Sept. 2, noon – 5 p.m. EDT
Virtual - Zoom webinar
Reporters who wish to attend the public listening session 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