Clinical Care: COVID-19

October 2023 – The process for Community Health Centers to obtain COVID-19 vaccines for their patients has changed. Health centers must now purchase their own COVID-19 vaccines through wholesalers and/or work with state/local public health departments to receive free doses. Through this page, NACHC will share updates on vaccine supplies and distribution.

• HHS COVID-19 Vaccine Bridge Access Program
• Test-to-Treat and COVID-19 Therapeutics
• Vaccination Tips for Health Centers

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HHS COVID-19 Vaccine Bridge Access Program

To support the transition to commercialization, the Department of Health and Human Services has allocated funding to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for “Bridge” programs.

• The CDC Bridge Access Program provides updated COVID-19 vaccines at no cost for uninsured and underinsured adults until December 31, 2024. State and local health departments are required to distribute 25% of each allocation to health centers within their jurisdiction. Please review the operational guidance, communications toolkit, and FAQ to learn more about the CDC Bridge Program.

• The HRSA Bridge Access Program provided over $81 million to support COVID-19-related services to communities. This funding can be used to purchase COVID-19 vaccines and provide enabling services to support COVID-19-related needs. You can review the Technical Assistance webpage for all available resources.

NACHC Blog: Community Health Centers: A Vital Resource for COVID-19 Vaccination in the Era of Commercialization (October 5)

Test-to-Treat and COVID-19 Therapeutics

HHS and Pfizer Reach Agreement to Increase Patient Access to Paxlovid (October 13)

Test-to-Treat Telehealth Program

This federal program offers patients free access to COVID-19 tests, telehealth consultations, and medications (if prescribed) all from the comfort of peoples’ homes. Services provided in English and Spanish.

Eligible patients must be uninsured or underinsured adults (18+), on Medicare, Medicaid, in the VA health care system, or receive care from the Indian Health Services. The program is run by the National Institute of Health’s (NIH’s) and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR).

Practical Vaccination Tips for Health Centers

NACHC Blog: Updated Vaccines for Flu, Covid, RSV: Is Your Health Center Ready? (October 3)

Vaccine Ambassador Project (October 27)

Vaccine Communications Toolkit [Coming Soon]