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WASHINGTON—Congressman Paul D. Tonko questioned health experts and COVID vaccine advocates at a hearing in the House Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations today—including Parks & Recreation actor Nick Offerman—as the Capital Region Congressman continues his push to reduce barriers to access and enable more Americans to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

Watch Rep. Tonko’s questions and remarks HERE or read as prepared for delivery:

We have heard today that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for increasing COVID-19 vaccination rates.

While we have made tremendous strides in just a few short months to increase vaccine supply, we know that availability does not equal access. 

The reality is that many Americans remain unvaccinated due to access barriers to getting vaccinated.

QUESTIONS

Dr. Gracia, you emphasize in your testimony that “lack of culturally and linguistically appropriate information and services, less access to technology required to sign up, less access to transportation, and lack of paid sick leave may be hindering vaccine access for some populations.”

• How are these barriers preventing unvaccinated Americans from accessing COVID-19 vaccines, especially those who make up the “moveable middle?”  What populations are more likely to face these challenges?

Dr. Shelton your testimony notes that the vaccine rollout, “heavily favored the tech savvy—those with internet, cell service, smart phones, and computers.” 

You also mention implementing initiatives, like phone scheduling for seniors and deployment of mobile units, to reach remote areas.  

• Are you seeing success from these efforts to overcome access barriers?  And are there additional approaches your agency is taking to increase access to the vaccines?  

Mr. Offerman, you own and operate a small business, Offerman Woodshop and work with the non-profit Would Works to provide training opportunities to people experiencing homelessness or living in poverty—individuals likely to face access barriers.

Like many others, we understand that operations at both the Woodshop and Would Works were affected by COVID-19. 

• Has vaccine uptake allowed normal operations to resume?  Are you aware of any vaccine access challenges among Offerman Woodshop staff or Would Works participants? 

CLOSING

Alleviating access concerns among unvaccinated Americans is clearly just as important as addressing other reasons why some people have yet to get the COVID-19 vaccine. 

I am encouraged by the strategies being deployed across the country and hope we can amplify these efforts to help us return to pre-pandemic life.

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