To Be Equal: How uninsured and underinsured Americans can access free COVID-19 vaccines

Getty Images Stock Photo by Marc Morial (TriceEdneyWire.com)—“We have more tools than ever to protect against serious COVID-19 disease and death, but we must make sure everyone has equitable access to those tools.”—CDC Director Mandy Cohen COVID-19 vaccines prevented an estimated 18 million hospitalizations and more than 3 million deaths in the United States, while saving about $1.5 trillion in medical costs in the first two years& after they were introduced.& The nation’s vaccination strategy, aimed to quickly deliver safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines, achieved remarkable success by vaccinating 270 million Americans& within the first two and a half years after its approval. This accomplishment was largely attributed to the fact that anyone could receive a vaccine at no cost, regardless of their insurance status. More than 40 Urban League affiliates across the country supported this effort by partnering with community health clinics, hospital systems, local pharmacies and health departments to bring the vaccines directly to community members. They established pop-up vaccine clinics in Urban League offices, churches, schools, community centers, housing complexes, senior centers, local colleges and universities, farmers markets and street fairs to ensure their communities had reliable and convenient access to the vaccines. In total, Urban League...