A collaboration of healthcare and public health organizations have united to form the National Associations’ COVID Vaccine Leadership Council to support implementation of the nation’s COVID-19 vaccination plan. The council is co-chaired by the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) and the American Pharmacists Association (APhA).

Each of the 19 council members have been directly involved in supporting and sustaining ongoing efforts to prepare for COVID-19 vaccine distribution and administration. The council’s members will strategize, discuss, exchange, and work toward solving some of the challenges expected as jurisdictions begin to implement the CDC COVID-19 vaccination playbook at the state level. The coalition’s work will complement the efforts of CDC, HHS, and Operation Warp Speed, and support state-level efforts.

“The COVID-19 vaccination campaign will be historic and aggressive,” says Mitchel Rothholz, chief of governance and state affiliates at the American Pharmacists Association. “Our coalition will assist with strategies, foster discussions, and exchange information and ideas, as we confront and solve the challenges organizational members can expect to face in the coming months.” 

“This is a monumental task,” says Jim Blumenstock, senior vice president, pandemic response and recovery, Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. “We must make sure that we’re collaborating across traditional public health and healthcare sectors so that we’re ready to effectively and efficiently distribute and administer the approved vaccines. Our united approach will make the process more effective and efficient, our nation stronger, and communities safer. We want to give the public confidence and enhance public trust in the vaccination process.”

The coalition members plan to address such areas as:

• Supporting a cohesive and collaborative national approach to vaccine prioritization, distribution, and administration.
• Developing strategies to further promote full and equitable partner engagement.
• Coordinating efforts to maximize vaccine access and immunization rates.
• Fostering the most effective ways to provide vaccination to critical populations.

Participating Organizations 
Association of State and Territorial Health Officials 
American Pharmacists Association 
American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy 
American Immunization Registry Association 
American Medical Association 
American Society for Consultant Pharmacists 
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 
Association of Immunization Managers 
Big Cities Health Coalition 
Healthcare Distribution Alliance 
Immunization Action Coalition 
National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations 
National Association of Boards of Pharmacy 
National Association of Chain Drug Stores 
National Association of Community Health Centers 
National Association of County and City Health Officials 
National Community Pharmacists Association 
National Governors Association 
National Indian Health Board 

For more information contact:

• Jim Blumenstock, senior vice president, pandemic response and recovery, Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, jblumenstock@astho.org.
• Mitchel Rothholz, chief of governance and state affiliates, American Pharmacists Association, mrothholz@aphanet.org

The American Pharmacists Association is the largest association of pharmacists in the United States advancing the entire pharmacy profession. Our expert staff, and strong volunteer leadership, including many experienced pharmacists, allow us to deliver vital leadership to help pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists, student pharmacists and pharmacy technicians find success and satisfaction in their work, while advocating for changes that benefit them and their patients. For more information, please visit www.pharmacist.com.
 
ASTHO is the national nonprofit organization representing the public health agencies of the United States, the U.S. territories and freely associated states, and the District of Columbia, as well as the more than 100,000 public health professionals these agencies employ. ASTHO members, the chief health officials of these jurisdictions, are dedicated to formulating and influencing sound public health policy and to ensuring excellence in public health practice.