In an effort to provide vaccination opportunities to everyone 16 and older where they live, work, and play, the Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) announced a new funding opportunity last week to establish and operate mobile, off-site, walk-in, and special COVID-19 vaccination clinics in underserved communities, including racial and ethnic minority populations and rural communities, among others.

Q: How much funding is available?

A: A total of $9 million is available on a first-come, first-served basis, with a funding cap of $500,000 per applicant, initially.

Q: What can the funding be used for?

A: Grant money can be used for any COVID-19 vaccine services the recipient provides outside of their usual, appointment-based clinics.

Examples include, but are not limited to: mobile, off-site, pop-up, walk-in clinics door-to-door vaccination efforts; in-home vaccination for homebound individuals; clinics joined with community and job fairs; and walk-up sites at pharmacies, shopping centers, places of worship, colleges and universities, salons, and other locations.

Q: Who can apply?

A: Eligible applicants must either be currently enrolled as an Idaho COVID-19 vaccine provider or must partner with an enrolled Idaho COVID-19 vaccine provider to administer the mobile/offsite/special COVID-19 vaccination clinic.

Interested organizations will find more details and can apply for funding at https://coronavirus.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Application-for-Mobile-Offsite-Special-COVID-19-Vaccination-Clinics-FINAL.pdf. 

Sarah Leeds is the manager of the Idaho Immunization Program, Division of Public Health, in the Department of Health and Welfare.

To slow the spread of COVID-19 in Idaho, please continue to:

• Wear face coverings  
• Keep at least six feet between you and others
• Stay home if you are sick
• Wash your hands often
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Disinfect surfaces and objects regularly

Resources

Stay up-to-date with the latest and most accurate information on COVID-19 at the following websites:

• Where and when to get your COVID-19 vaccination
• Idaho’s Coronavirus Website
• Idaho Rebounds Website
• One.Idaho.gov
• CDC Coronavirus Disease Website

DHW also posts lots of information, including daily updates on the numbers on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov.