CDC pulls back $11 billion in COVID funding used for state health services

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is pulling back $11.4 billion in funds allocated in response to the pandemic to state and community health departments, nongovernment organizations and international recipients, the Department of Health and Human Services confirmed earlier this week (Source: “CDC is pulling back $11B in Covid funding sent to health departments across the U.S.,” NBC News, March 25).
 
"The COVID-19 pandemic is over, and HHS will no longer waste billions of taxpayer dollars responding to a non-existent pandemic that Americans moved on from years ago," HHS Director of Communications Andrew Nixon said in a statement.
 
Congress authorized the money for state public health programs as part of COVID relief bills. The funds were initially used for coronavirus testing and vaccination, as well as to address health disparities in high-risk populations.
 
But last year, the money was also allowed to be put toward other pressing public health concerns, including testing and surveillance of other respiratory viruses, an array of vaccines for children or uninsured adults and preparedness for health emergencies.
 
A list of projects for the rescinded funds was not immediately available.