Published May 12, 2021 
Find COVID-19 Vaccines Near You: HHS National Vaccine Locator Tool
On May 4, AACN attended a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services call with U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy on how to locate where to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. This call also highlighted the work being done to reach the national goal of 70% of American adults having received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose by July 4. One effort to reach this goal includes a national texting initiative giving locations of vaccines near the user. This service even highlights which vaccines are given at each location. Please see below for details on how to use this texting tool, and please click here for more vaccine locator information.
COVID-19 National Texting Service
- Text GETVAX (438829) for English or VACUNA (822862) for Spanish
- Text the number your ZIP Code
- Receive three vaccine sites near you instantly
Congressional Update: Committee Hearings Addressing Health Equity and Access
As Congress continues to focus on the impact of COVID-19 and address important topics such as telehealth, broadband access, and Black maternal health, congressional committees have been at the forefront holding hearings on these important topics, including:
- Transforming the VA Workforce: Assessing Progress on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives
On May 6, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing on how the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) can be more inclusive, equitable, and transparent in its service to veterans across the country. Witnesses emphasized the need for more representation among VA providers to reflect the diverse veterans population in the nation, as well as continued investment in diversity and inclusion initiatives to improve the delivery of care. To view the hearing, click here.
- Broadband Equity: Addressing Disparities in Access and Affordability
On May 6, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology held a hearing on how the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for affordable broadband access in all communities. Witnesses outlined how broadband is now essential as work, school, and even health care is occurring remotely/online. As Congress works on infrastructure legislation, it was suggested that broadband accessibility and affordability be addressed and included in any plan. To view the hearing, click here.
- Birthing While Black: Examining America’s Black Maternal Health Crisis
On May 6, the House Committee on Oversight and Reform held a hearing on the Black maternal health crisis. Witnesses ranged from Members of Congress, such as the Co-Chairs of the Black Maternal Health Caucus Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) and Alma Adams (D-NC-12), to experts and advocates. Panelists urged for comprehensive reforms and highlighted the need for a diverse public health workforce, including nurses. To view the hearing, click here.
- An Update from Federal Officials on Efforts to Combat COVID-19
On May 11 , the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee held a hearing on COVID-19 with updates from federal officials. Key witnesses included Dr. Rochelle Walensky, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Dr. David Kessler, Chief Science Officer for COVID Response, and Dr. Peter Marks, Director at the Food and Drug Administration. Current trends outlined by the witnesses indicate we are heading in the right direction to end the pandemic as we continue to ramp up vaccination efforts. While the panelists are optimistic, they continue to highlight the need for individuals to receive their COVID-19 vaccine. Witnesses also praised the positive trajectory of ongoing actions to reach underserved communities and highlighted the imperative work of public health nurses and other professionals in vaccine administration. To view the hearing, click here.
