COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs in Correctional and Detention Centers
Written by COVID-19 NEWS on May 31, 2021
Correctional and detention centers can differ widely by size, location (e.g., rural), and presence of medical staff; all of these factors might impact accessibility to COVID-19 vaccinations. Multiple vaccine administration strategies might be needed to reach a variety of different correctional and detention facilities.
Larger correctional or detention facilities with medical staff might be able to vaccinate incarcerated/detained people and staff directly. These providers should enroll in their jurisdiction’s COVID-19 vaccination program.
Smaller facilities, such as jails located in remote areas, are more likely to experience difficulty accessing medical services and resources necessary for the planning, allocation, distribution, storage, and administration of COVID-19 vaccinations. Mobile vaccination teams from local health departments, contracted correctional and detention facility healthcare providers, community healthcare systems, or commercial pharmacies might be needed to reach these facilities.
Any facility that has not received information regarding COVID-19 vaccinations should contact their local or state health officer.
