London Daily

Focus on the big picture.

The government agency that helped develop the COVID vaccine in record time can't get shots for its own workers, emails show

The government agency that helped develop the COVID vaccine in record time can't get shots for its own workers, emails show

Insider obtained emails from NIH Director Francis Collins describing a "frustrating experience" getting coronavirus shots for employees at the center of the vaccine development.

The vast majority of employees at the government agency that helped develop the coronavirus vaccine haven't been able to get the shot, internal emails obtained by Insider show.

The National Institutes of Health has vaccinated just over 3,000 of its employees within its Maryland locations, according to the emails and state data. That is a small fraction of NIH's overall workforce, including 20,260 at its headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland. It's unclear what arrangements the agency has for staffers in its other satellite offices across the US.

In the most recent email that Insider obtained dated February 5, the agency's top boss warned staff that its first supply of doses "has been exhausted."

That followed three other earlier emails sent in January updating employees on the status of the agency's plans to get them inoculated. None bore good news.

"We continue to await additional doses of COVID-19 vaccine — and to be honest, this has been a frustrating experience," Francis Collins, the NIH director, wrote in a staff-wide email on January 29.

The nation's leading health research agency has been at the forefront of the coronavirus vaccine work, including assisting and advising Operation Warp Speed, the program begun under former President Donald Trump to fast-track vaccine development.

The NIH — which employs Anthony Fauci, the federal government's top infectious diseases expert — conducts medical and public health research and provides billions of dollars in grants to fund medical research on cancer, addiction, Alzheimer's, infectious diseases, and other medical issues.

The agency's 300-acre Bethesda campus also has a research hospital called the Clinical Center where doctors can examine and treat COVID-19 patients.

Hospitals in most states have received shipments of vaccines to administer to their healthcare workers. In December, Maryland officials provided 2,300 doses of the state's vaccine allocation to NIH's frontline healthcare workers.

Infectious diseases expert Anthony Fauci listens as President Joe Biden (L) speaks as he tours the Viral Pathogenesis Laboratory at the National Institutes of Health.


'I do not have better news to share'


Since the December allocation, the NIH has received about 4,000 additional vaccine doses, emails show.

An email Collins sent to NIH staff on January 22 said that the agency received that one-time allocation of doses of the Moderna vaccine from Operation Warp Speed.

With the 2,300-dose allocation that the Maryland governor's office announced in December and the 4,000-dose allocation described in the emails in January, there would have been enough vaccines for 3,150 people.

The January 22 email said that staff who had received the first shots would take priority with the new batch of vaccines to ensure they could get the second shot to complete the dosage.

Collins also encouraged workers aged 65 and older to consider getting their shots through their local county programs where they live.

A week later on January 29, Collins sent another email to staff saying that he was working with the Maryland Department of Health and members of the Maryland congressional delegation on the issue.

Neither the NIH nor the White House responded to Insider's questions about why the agency was seeking vaccines from the state at that time rather than the federal government. A spokesperson at the Office of Management and Budget said that workers at most agencies were supposed to get vaccines when they became eligible under state and locality rules. States are providing the shots at different sites, including through pharmacies.

Collins's February 5 follow-up email informed staff that the agency only had enough vaccines left to make sure those who got the first dose could also get the second. He said Maryland wasn't sending more vaccines yet but that it was also working with federal agencies "to resolve this supply issue."

"I'm disappointed that I do not have better news to share on vaccine availability for NIH staff," he wrote.

It's not clear how many NIH workers who directly helped with the COVID-19 vaccine development have received a shot.

Collins, who has been director at NIH since 2009, got his shot publicly on December 22, as did Fauci, who has served as one of the government's top spokespersons on the pandemic. Fauci oversees the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the NIH.

The lead scientist on the COVID vaccine project, Kizzmekia Corbett, received the vaccine and posted about it on Instagram on December 30.

President Joe Biden (L) speaks with to Kizzmekia Corbett (R) as he tours the Viral Pathogenesis Laboratory at the National Institutes of Health.


Elsewhere in the federal government


Vaccines are still in short supply and states have given certain groups of people priority, including healthcare workers and people living in nursing homes.

Fauci said on CNN Tuesday that vaccines wouldn't be widely available until early June as manufacturers ramp up their production.

The government employs more than 4 million people including those in the military. Most haven't received a vaccine yet.

That includes healthcare workers who've been fighting the pandemic. According to The Washington Post, 6,000 healthcare workers in the Public Health Services Corps are still waiting to get their vaccines. Many have been deployed to care for COVID-19 patients and to administer vaccines.

Over at the Environmental Protection Agency, the agency has not received federally allocated vaccines, but it has designated some of its workers as priority candidates for vaccines from states, according to an agency spokesperson.

The agency has identified emergency response workers and others who can't socially-distance because of their jobs — such as people working in labs — for potential early vaccines.

"EPA leadership is working with each state and the EPA's list of designated employees will be subject to that state's prioritization and rules," said the agency spokesperson.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention decided last year that the workers at the Bureau of Prisons, the Indian Health Service, the State Department, the Defense Department, and the Department of Veteran's Affairs should be first to get vaccinated.

A spokesman from the Office of Management and Budget said that federal agencies were asked to identify "a small subset of their workforce who are essential critical infrastructure workers and therefore might fit into categories that states and localities have prioritized." Those include emergency response and healthcare workers.

At the VA, 68% of workers were vaccinated as of February 10. The State Department had vaccinated 11,500 people both in the US and abroad as of January 28, according to an agency spokesperson.

The State Department said that in the US workers "deemed essential for mission-critical operations" and those who couldn't work from home got priority. When considering workers abroad it looked primarily at coronavirus infection rates where workers were stationed.

"Our goal is to offer the vaccine to 100% of department personnel as quickly as vaccine supply permits," the spokesperson said.

President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris — their spouses — and members of Congress were among the first in line in the US to get vaccinated. Hundreds of White House officials and political appointees already got their vaccines as well, according to CNN.

Insider previously reported that essential workers at the Capitol who clean, repair buildings, and provide food have not been eligible for vaccines.

Back at the NIH, Collins said in his email to staff that the goal was to have staff vaccinated as soon as possible.

"For some, this may be in your county," he wrote.

Comments

Oh ya 3 year ago
Well they should count themselves lucky not to be the lab test rats like the population that is lining up for them

Newsletter

Related Articles

London Daily
0:00
0:00
Close
Unelected PM of the UK holds an emergency meeting because a candidate got voted in… which he says is a threat to democracy…
You Are So Beautiful
Rob Schneider explains California reparations legislation.
Postmodern Jukebox European Tour Version
Who knew badminton could get so intense?
An old French tune (by Georges Brassens) Pomplamoose ft. John Schroeder
Farmers break through police barriers in Brussels.
Sattahip Motor Show 20
London's Iconic British Telecom Tower Sold To Become Hotel
SONATE AU CLAIR DE LUNE - Moonlight sonata
Ukraine Arrests Father-Son Duo In Lockbit Cybercrime Bust
A kiss to build a dream on
US Offers $15 Million For Info On Leaders Of Cybercrime Group Lockbit
Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton (Boyce Avenue acoustic cover)
Russia Claims UK Cultural Agency Spied for Ukraine
Mean Blues
Apple warns against drying iPhones with rice
La Chansonnette
Alexei Navalny: UK sanctions Russian prison chiefs after activist's death
Pattaya Addicts
German economy is in 'troubled waters' - ministry
Franz Liszt - Liebestraum - Love Dream
In a recent High Court hearing, the U.S. argued that Julian Assange endangered lives by releasing classified information.
Dream a little dream of me
New video
Unchained Melody sung like you've NEVER heard!
Tucker Carlson says Boris Johnson wants "a million dollars, in Bitcoin or cash, from Tucker Carlson to talk about Ukraine.
Dave Brubeck - Take Five
Russia is rebuilding capacity to destabilize European countries, new UK report warns
Édith Piaf - Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien (Sofie)
EU Commission wants anti-drone defenses at Brussels HQ
Rondo Alla Turca
Von der Leyen’s 2nd-term pitch: More military might, less climate talk
Kiss of fire
Global Law Enforcement Dismantles Lockbit Ransomware Operation
Tom Jones - I´ll Never Fall In Love Again 1967, 1989, 2001
Prince William Urges End to Gaza Conflict
Israel Cachao López - Guajira Clásica
UK court to hear Assange's final appeal against extradition to the US, where he faces charges related to his journalistic work—the publication of a classified video in 2010 that exposed US war crimes against humanity.
Edward Maya - Stereo Love (feat. Vika Jigulina) (Extended Mix)
About 50-60% kids either chose to be YouTuber or influencer
Strauss - Radetzky March - Karajan
A viral video of Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce lying on a Canberra footpath is celebrated by his media mates.
La vie en rose
European Countries React to Navalny's Death by Summoning Russian Diplomats
The Temptations - My Girl (Smokey Robinson Tribute) 2006 Kennedy Cent
Israel has gone ‘beyond self-defence’ in Gaza, says Labour’s Streeting
Orlando Cachaito Lopez Redencion
English farmers to be offered ‘largest ever’ grant scheme amid food security concerns
Edith Piaf - NON, JE NE REGRETTE RIEN
Cameron government knew Post Office ditched Horizon IT investigation
RADETZKY MARCH-2008-Wien, New Year Concert
EU Calls for Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza Conflict
Only you (And you alone)
EU Vows To Hold Putin "Accountable" After Meeting Alexei Navalny's Wife
Strangers In The Night
EU Launches Probe Into TikTok Over Child Protection Under Digital Content Law
Charles Aznavour - La Boheme
The EU Initiates Naval Mission to Defend Red Sea Trade Routes
Summer time
EU and UK Announce Joint Effort on Migration
Sting and Stevie Wonder - Fragile (from Sting's 60th birthday concert)
Brazil's Lula Likens Gaza Operation to Holocaust, Israel Says "Red Line" Crossed
Aux Champs Elysees
Ministers Confirm Proposal to Prohibit Mobile Phone Usage in English Schools
Stand By Me - Ben E. King (Boyce Avenue acoustic cover)
Microsoft-backed OpenAI valued at $80bn after company completes deal
La Mer (Beyond the Sea) – Avalon Jazz Band
‘Alexei would want to tell Russia not to give up fighting’
She
Rwandan Footballer's Dismissal Sparks Concerns Over UK Asylum Plan
Nathalie Song by Enzo Petrachi Stjepan Hauser Cello
Whisky Challenges China's Baijiu Market During New Year Celebrations
Shape of My Heart - Sting (Boyce Avenue acoustic cover)
Avdiivka - Symbol Of Ukrainian Resistance Now In Control Of Russian Troops
Radiohead - Creep
Putin Critic Alexei Navalny's "Killers" Refusing To Hand Over Body, Say Allies
Quizás,Quizás,Quizás - Andrea Bocelli - Jennifer Lopez
"Historic Step": Zelensky Signs Security Pact With Germany
Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps - Multi-Couples
"Historic Step": Zelensky Signs Security Pact With Germany
Pentatonix Havana
20 Tech Giants Sign Effort To Fight AI Election Interference Across Globe
Paula Cole - Autumn Leaves
Joe Biden Accuses Putin of Causing Navalny's Death
Oscar Benton Bensonhurst Blues
Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny has died at the Arctic prison colony
OH NANANA vs ABUSADAMENTE
Tucker Carlson grocery shopping in Russia. This is so interesting.
Nina Simone - ”I Put A Spell On You”. Vezi aici cum cântă Jeremy Ragsd
Julian Assange's Wife Warns of His Death if Extradited to US
NIGHTWISH - The Phantom Of The Opera
‘A lot higher than we expected’: Russian arms production worries Europe’s war planners
Motorshow 2016 Tanjay Negros Oriental
Greece Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage and Adoption Rights
Monica Bellucci - Ti Amo
Hungarian Foreign Minister: Europeans will lose Europe, the Union's policy must change drastically
Michael Jackson - Billie Jean Milena The Voice France 2018
In Britain Homeowners are receiving CPO’s (Compulsory Purchase Orders) so their homes can be redistributed to migrants
Michael Buble (Help Me Make It Through The Night) feat Loren Allred
Memories Canon In D - Maroon 5 (Boyce Avenue piano acoustic cover)
Matteo Simoni - Marina
Maroon 5 - One More Night
Maroon 5 - Memories
Mark Knopfler - Brothers In Arms (Berlin 2007 Live)
Mark Knopfler & Emmylou Harris - Romeo And Juliet (Real Live Roadrunni
Marina, Marina - The LUCKY DUCKIES intimist live concert at Guimarães
Major Lazer & DJ Snake – Lean On Mauranne The Voice France 2016
Love Theme from Romeo and Juliet - Joslin - Henri Mancini, Nino Rota
LoLa & Hauser - Love Story
Linkin Park Jay-Z - Numb Encore (Live 8 2005)
Hallelujah Mennel Ibtissem, The Voice France Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen - Dance Me to the End of Love
Leonard Cohen & Natasha Rostova - Dance me to the end of love
La casa de papel - Bella Ciao
La Camisa Negra
L'italiano (Toto Cutugno) - The Gypsy Queens
Juanes - La Camisa Negra
Jonathan and Charlotte - Britain's Got Talent 2012 Live Semi Final - U
John Powell - Assassin's Tango
Joe Cocker - You Can Leave Your Hat On (LIVE in Dortmund)
Joe Cocker - Unchain My Heart 2002 Live
Joe Cocker - A Whiter Shade Of Pale
Jay Z & Alicia Keys - Empire State of Mind LIVE
Jason Mraz - Im Yours (live)
Jarrod Radnich - Bohemian Rhapsody - Virtuosic Piano Solo
James Blunt - You're Beautiful
James Blunt - You're Beautiful & Bonfire Heart (Live at The Nobel Peac)
If You Go Away - Helen Merrill & Stan Getz (Tribute to Virna Lisi)
I'LL BE MISSING YOU
I Say a Little Prayer
Hotel California ( Eagles ) 1994 Live
Historia de un amor - Luz Casal. Vezi interpretarea Biancăi Sumanariu
Here Comes The Sun - The Beatles (Boyce Avenue acoustic cover) on Spot
Heart - Stairway to Heaven Led Zeppelin - Kennedy Center Honors
HAVANA by Camila Cabello Zumba Pre Cooldown TML Crew Kramer Pastra
HAUSER and Señorita - I Will Always Love You
HAUSER - Waka Waka
HAUSER - Sway
HAUSER - Lambada
HAUSER - Historia de un Amor
HAUSER - Despacito
Great Pretender
Georgia May Foote & Giovanni Pernice Samba to 'Volare' - Strictly Come
Gary Moore - Still Got The Blues
GIPSY KINGS VOLARE Penelope Cruz
Fugees - Killing Me Softly With His Song
French Latino - Historia de un Amor
For A Few Dollars More The Danish National Symphony Orchestra (Live)
Flashdance • What a Feeling • Irene Cara
Filip Rudan - “Someone You Loved” Audicija 4 The Voice Hrvatska Sez
Eric Clapton - Wonderful Tonight
Enya - Only Time
Enrique Iglesias - Bailando (English Version) ft. Sean Paul
Enrique Iglesias - Bailamos
Elena Yerevan Historia de un amor
Ed Sheeran - Shape of You (Official Music Video)
Ed Sheeran - Perfect Symphony [with Andrea Bocelli]
Ed Sheeran - Perfect (Official Music Video)
Easy On Me - Adele (Boyce Avenue 90’s style piano acoustic cover) on S
ERA - Ameno
ELENA YEREVAN- Cancion Del Mariachi-IN STUDIO-2017 DPR
Dust In The Wind - Kansas (Boyce Avenue acoustic cover)
Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood
Despacito x Shape Of You - Pentatonix
Deep Purple - Child In Time - Live (1970)
David Foster When A Man Loves A WomanIt's A Mans World (SealMichael Bo
Dance me to the end of Love ( Pi-Air Design )
Coolio - Gangsta's Paradise (feat. L.V.) [Official Music Video]
Conquest Of Paradise (Vangelis), played on Böhm Emporio organ
Cielito Lindo
Chico & The Gypsies - Bamboleo
Canción Del Mariachi - Antonio Banderas, Los Lobos • Desperado
Camila Cabello - Havana (Audio) ft. Young Thug
Camila Cabello - Havana ( cover by J.Fla )
California Dreamin' - The Mamas & The Papas José Feliciano (Boyce Ave
Buster Benton - Money Is The Name of The Game
Hallelujah Pentatonix
Bobby McFerrin - Don't Worry Be Happy (Official Music Video)
Bob Dylan - Knockin' On Heaven's Door Emilia The Voice Kids France
Besame Mucho - Cesaria Evora
Ben E. King - Stand by Me Sax Cover Alexandra Ilieva Thomann
Bella Ciao
Bella Ciao - INSTRUMENTAL
Beautiful in White x Canon in D (Piano Cover by Riyandi Kusuma)
Bad Romance - Vintage 1920's Gatsby Style Lady Gaga Cover ft. Ariana Savalas & Sarah Reich(1)
BELLA CIAO 2020 - KARAOKE ITALIANO
BAMBOLEO - Gipsy Kings • Antonio Banderas, Katya Virshilas
BAILANDO (original)
Awesome Ukrainian yodeler - SOFIA SHKIDCHENKO (with English subtitles)
Avicii - The Nights
Atom - The Great Gig in the Sky
Aretha Franklin - (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman (Official Ly
Antonio Banderas - Cancion del Mariachi (Desperado)
André Rieu - Zorba's Dance (Sirtaki)
André Rieu - Can't Help Falling In Love
André Rieu & Mirusia - Ave Maria
Andrew Reyes Elton John - Don't Let The Sun Go Down The Voice 2020 (
Andreas Kümmert Whiter Shade Of Pale The Voice of Germany 2013 Showd
And I Love You So
All About That Bass - Postmodern Jukebox European Tour Version
Alan Walker - Faded (Piano Cover)
Ain't No Sunshine -- Bill Withers (cover by Canen 12 y.o.)
African music
Adriana Vidović - “Creep” Audicija 4 The Voice Hrvatska Sezona 3
Adriana Vidović - “Believer” Nokaut 3 The Voice Hrvatska Sezona 3
A Fistful of Dollars - The Danish National Symphony Orchestra and Tuva
4 Beautiful Soundtracks Relaxing Piano [10min]
2CELLOS - Whole Lotta Love vs. Beethoven 5th Symphony [OFFICIAL VIDEO]
2CELLOS - Smooth Criminal (Live at Suntory Hall, Tokyo)
2CELLOS - Smells Like Teen Spirit [Live at Sydney Opera House]
2CELLOS - Despacito [OFFICIAL VIDEO]
13 Year Old Girl Playing Il Silenzio (The Silence) - André Rieu
094.All About That Bass
00 - SADNESS PART 1
(Ghost) Riders In the Sky (American Outlaws Live at Nassau Coliseum, 1
(Everything I Do) I Do It For You - Bryan Adams (Boyce Avenue ft. Conn
What a wonderful world
Moon river
×