On Thursday, September 24, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Deputy Secretary Hargan sent a Dear Tribal Leader Letter (DTLL) announcing the initiation of Tribal Consultation to seek input from Tribal Leaders on COVID-19 vaccination planning for Indian Country. This Tribal Consultation complements the state planning process that began last week with the publication of the CDC’s COVID-19 Vaccination Program Interim Playbook for Jurisdiction Operations. This playbook guides Immunization Program Awardees (e.g., state and local jurisdictions with routine immunization programs) in planning and operationalizing their COVID-19 vaccination response.
Tribal Leaders will have several forums to discuss vaccination planning for distribution and allocation, including the following national and regional conference calls:
- September 28, 2020; 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET: HHS Regions 1, 2, 3, 4
- Dial-In: (415) 527-5035; Passcode: 199 433 5800
- September 28, 2020; 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM ET: HHS Region 5
- Dial-In: (415) 527-5035; Passcode: 199 237 2009
- September 29, 2020; 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM ET: HHS Regions 6
- Dial-In: (415) 527-5035; Passcode: 199 978 7009
- September 29, 2020; 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM ET: HHS Regions 7, 8
- Dial-In: (415) 527-5035; Passcode: 199 692 6624
- October 1, 2020; 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM ET: HHS Region 9
- Dial-In: (415) 527-5035; Passcode: 199 650 2728
- October 1, 2020; 4:00 – 5:00 PM ET, HHS Region 10
- Dial-In: (415) 527-5035; Passcode: 199 442 6687
In addition to feedback during conference calls, Tribal leaders can provide input and recommendations in writing by submitting comments to consultation@hhs.gov. The deadline for written comments on this Tribal Consultation is Friday, October 9, 2020
The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) held a webinar on Friday, September 25th with information on vaccine planning. The webinar included an overview of the federal government’s COVID-19 vaccine planning activities and highlighted considerations for Tribal Leaders and health organizations serving Tribal and urban Indian communities making decisions on vaccine distribution.
View the Slide Presentations: