Update on Water Utility Staff and Vaccination Prioritization
Recently, EPA’s Water Security Division released information on the COVID-19 vaccination prioritization process for water and wastewater utility workers. The Department of Homeland Security recognizes water and wastewater utility staff and their suppliers and manufacturers as part of the “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce” (see page 15). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s phased approach for COVID-19 vaccinations recommends that non-health care essential workers, which include water utility staff, receive priority in Phase 1-B of the COVID Vaccination Program (see Section 4).
EPA plans to continue to work closely with CDC and other federal agencies to ensure that the water sector continues to receive the most up to date information and the agency recommends water utilities coordinate with their state and local governments and health departments regarding vaccination distribution planning.
