DC Transitioning Toward Walk-Up Vaccination Sites

Being a physician in the District in the 21st century means being on the front line of the most pressing public health issues in the world. In our small geographic boundaries, physicians help address issue found in every state all in one area. The issues are too lengthy to list on one webpage but physicians are on the front lines of addressing health issues for all District residents.

News, Statements, and Testimony on Health Equity Issues

25th Council session information coming soon.

DC Transitioning Toward Walk-Up Vaccination Sites

Apr 26, 2021, 15:27 PM by MSDC Staff

The District is moving away from scheduling COVID vaccines but expanding opportunities for residents to be vaccinated.

The days of navigating vaccinate.dc.gov to pre-register for an appointment may be approaching an end.

Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the District would open eleven (11) high-capacity, walk-up vaccination sites. These sites across the District (but primarily in Wards 5, 7, and 8) would be for first-dose shots only, with the ability to schedule the second dose upon your visit. These sites will operate in tandem with the existing pharmacy, clinic, and healthcare provider scheduling sites already operating. Residents aged 16 and 17 will need to register for a vaccine at childrensnational.org.

In addition, DC is transitioning away from vaccinate.dc.gov to handle appointments and instead directing people to vaccinefinder.org. The shift occurs Wednesday and means District residents no longer need to pre-fill information with the District's vaccine site to be eligible for District doses.

Finally, the District is encouraging residents to join community canvasses for vaccines on Saturday, May 1. The District is organizing groups of people to safely through the DC COVID-19 Community Corps for a Day of Action. Those interested can learn more here.

Sample of Health Equity Legislation MSDC Tracked

Student Access to Treatment Amendment Act (B23-467)

What does it say? The bill allows for the administration of medicinal marijuana in schools as well as allows students to bring sunscreen to schools and apply it without a prescription.

MSDC position: MSDC supports the language permitting sunscreen application in schools

Current status: A win for DC physicians and public health! The legislation passed the Council in February and was signed by the Mayor. Previous temporary and emergency legislation permitted students to use sunscreen at schools this school year already.

Electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment Registry Amendment Act (B23-261)

What does it say? The bill requires DC Health to establish an electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment registry (eMOST).

MSDC position: MSDC supports this legislation to more easily allow patients to make their treatment orders known.

Current status: A win for the physician community and our patients! The Council passed the bill in December and the Mayor signed it into law on January 16, 2020.

Healthy Beverage Choices Amendment Act (B23-495)

What does it say? The bill would implement a 1.5 cent per ounce tax on the distribution of "sugary" beverages. The money collected from the tax would establish a Healthy People, Healthy Places Open Spaces Grant Program.

MSDC position: MSDC sent a letter to Council Chair Mendelson asking for a hearing to discuss all of the issues around a beverage tax.

Current status: The bill was introduced October 8, 2019 and referred to the Committee on Business and Economic Development and the Committee of the Whole.