The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is offering a free webinar on Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021, at 1 p.m. ET, addressing COVID-19 vaccination in the water sector. The webinar will offer an overview of vaccine distribution and implementation and briefly discuss safety and efficacy to drinking water and wastewater treatment workforce, including engineers, sanitation workers and other administrative and professional staff. While the webinar is free, registration is required.
AWWA recommends those interested to register soon as space will be limited and spots will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, the CDC encourages participants to submit questions when they register so the presenter can address any frequently asked questions.
The webinar registration details are:
https://cdc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_nIdhO7LWQf6kOLCkWq1eXA
Background
On Dec. 20, 2020, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) adjusted the vaccine prioritization guidance, placing water and wastewater workers in the “Other Essential Workers” category, which is now part of Phase 1C. The new Phase 1B consists of people at least 75 years of age and frontline essential workers. Phase 1C includes people 65-74 years of age, people between 16-64 years of age with high-risk medical conditions and other essential workers. Currently, most states have adopted CDC’s revised prioritization, but the actual distribution remains a state health department decision.
Questions can be directed to Kevin Morley, federal relations manager.