Airport Alert: AAAE Calls on Governors to Prioritize Frontline Aviation Workers In Next Round of Vaccine Distribution

AAAE joined with 20 other aviation associations and unions in requesting all 50 Governors prioritize frontline aviation workers as they develop their implementation plans for the next phase of vaccine distribution. For illustrative purposes, one letter to the Governor of New York is attached to this Alert. 

This request to Governors follows a letter the coalition sent to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on December 10, 2020, requesting that they recommend frontline aviation workers be included in the next allocation of COVID-19 vaccines after health care professionals and those living in long-term care facilities. ACIP is meeting on December 19 and 20, 2020 to make this allocation determination. Once the recommendation is made, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will approve it. Then Governors will decide who within the broader group will get the next round of vaccines in their state.

The coalition letter stressed to Governors that aviation workers are playing a key role in the fight against COVID-19 and are essential to the recovery of our economy. However, ACIP and Governors are hearing similar requests from others within the transportation sector, so it is critical that airport voices are heard at the state and local level. As a result, airports may want to consider engaging with the appropriate state and local public health officials to ensure that they understand the need for workers at the airport and in the broader aviation ecosystem to receive priority distribution of the vaccine.

Please contact Stephanie Gupta if you would like a copy of the letter we sent to your state Governor.