Jan. 12, 2021—The presidents of both the Auto Care Association and the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association have written to state governors, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to request COVID-19 vaccine prioritization for the aftermarket industry, according to a letter sent to the association members.
The letters to the governors and federal departments encouraged that states follow the CDC's recently expanded recommendations to distribute vaccines to Americans over the age of 75, first responders, and essential workers in the education, food and agriculture, manufacturing, U.S. postal service, public transit and grocery store sectors—which would aftermarket manufacturers based on CISA guidelines of the manufacturing sector.
The industry leaders are also advocating that as already designated "essential workers" whose work has a vital impact on frontline workers, those in the aftermarket service industry be included in those distribution plans.
Currently each state has developed its own vaccination distribution plan, with many basing their plans on the recommended federal guidelines.
