Statement by Lori Tremmel Freeman, CEO

Washington, DC, December 15, 2021 — “This week, on December 14, 2021, marked the one-year anniversary of the first COVID-19 vaccine administered outside of a clinical trial, marking the beginning of COVID-19 vaccine distribution and administration across the United States. The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), which represents our country’s nearly 3,000 local public health departments, recognizes the incredible contributions necessary to develop and deploy this life saving technology—especially the dedicated local public health staff who have worked around the clock to deliver the vaccine, answer the public’s questions, and ensure that all in their community could access this critical innovation. This tremendous effort by public health professionals and their colleagues has resulted in more than 485 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine being administered to adults, adolescents and children. This represents 72% of the population having received at least one dose and 61% considered fully vaccinated.

“The country’s nearly 3,000 local health departments have been and continue to be on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic response. The staff from these dedicated departments have played an essential role in vaccine coordination, delivery, communications, education and administration in order to protect communities across the nation, keep kids in school, and businesses open. Thank you for your tireless work and dedication.”

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About NACCHO
The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) represents the nation’s nearly 3,000 local health departments. These city, county, metropolitan, district, and tribal departments work every day to protect and promote health and well-being for all people in their communities. For more information about NACCHO, please visit www.naccho.org.