BOYLE STATEMENT ON PHILLY COVID VACCINATION PROBLEMS

PHILADELPHIA - Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) released the following statement regarding recent reports of failures by a third party vendor in delivering COVID vaccinations in the City of Philadelphia:

"Following recent news reports detailing serious issues with Philly Fighting COVID and their operations as a former vaccine partner with the City of Philadelphia's Department of Public Health, I am concerned about the impact these developments are having on my constituents and residents across Philadelphia. As we work to continue to get vaccines in arms of those who need them the most, the seemingly unscrupulous behavior exhibited by Philly Fighting COVID is extremely distressing and warrants a full investigation at every level of government.

At my request, the Philadelphia Health Department will be briefing me on this and other vaccine related matters so that we have a clear sense of what the Department of Public Health's plans are to address these issues moving forward.

In addition, I have also contacted the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) requesting all available information on what role, if any, the CDC or other federal agencies played in the establishment or approval of agreements for any third party distributors of COVID-19 vaccines in Philadelphia or in any other jurisdiction. Through this inquiry, my office will determine if any action needs to be taken through the CDC or via congressional oversight to ensure that all vaccine distribution partners are held to the highest possible standards, and that any operators who do not meet these standards will be held responsible.

My goal is to ensure that as vaccine distribution continues to expand, there is total transparency and accountability in this process, both locally and through the federal government. So many people have worked incredibly hard to develop these lifesaving vaccines, and now we must work equally hard to ensure that they're distributed in an equitable, transparent manner.

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