COVID-19 Vaccinations are available for staff in the National Capital Region

Smithsonian staff outside the NCR should continue to schedule vaccinations through their local health departments.

Dear Colleagues,

Since we first became aware of COVID-19 and felt its impact, we looked toward vaccination as a critical tool to help us move beyond the worst of the pandemic. As soon as the first vaccine became available, we encouraged vaccination through local health departments – all the while, behind the scenes, we were working to obtain doses for our staff.

To that end, I am pleased to announce that the Smithsonian will soon be able to provide COVID-19 vaccinations for much of our staff.

In coordination with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Smithsonian will be hosting and supporting a multi-agency vaccination effort for government employees in the National Capital Region. I offer my thanks to our colleagues at the National Museum of Natural History who will host this endeavor.

Employees in the National Capital Region (NCR), both federal and trust, will receive additional details on how to participate shortly.  We are continuing to pursue this same benefit for all members of the Smithsonian community, including those outside of the NCR. If you live outside of the National Capital Region, I strongly encourage you to monitor the availability of vaccines in your local communities, as this may be the fastest way to get the vaccination. 

Building on this forward momentum, a smaller vaccination effort also will be getting underway at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute located in Front Royal, Virginia. Public health officials in Warren County are providing us with enough supplies to vaccinate essential staff and regional employees working on site. Those who are eligible for this first, limited round of vaccinations have been contacted.

Obtaining vaccines for our community has long been our goal. I am indebted to the tireless efforts of our staff who have made these opportunities available and who will continue to put their creativity and persistence to work pursuing vaccination supplies for our broader community.  Together, through all your efforts, we have done so much to keep each other safe. I look forward to sharing more good news soon.

Sincerely,

Lonnie G. Bunch
Secretary

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