Truck Drivers May Be Among First To Receive the COVID-19 Vaccine
There’s no doubt that COVID-19 had been a major disruptor in 2020. Virtually every facet of life has been affected by the virus, and the trucking industry has faced a myriad of challenges as a result. Because truck drivers often work across state lines and are essential in getting goods to communities in need during times of crisis, professionals behind the wheel have been faced with changing regulations, uncertainty surrounding the availability of loads and the potential for safety issues while on the road.
Thankfully, the Trump Administration’s efforts under Operation Warp Speed seem to suggest that vaccination against COVID-19 will take place for essential frontline workers first. This means that truck drivers are likely to have access to the vaccine before the general public due to the nature of the job and the time-sensitive nature of supply chain management.
According to Trucking Topics, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated on December 1st of 2020 that its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices had voted in favor of providing immunization access to healthcare and other essential frontline workers first. The panel’s vote was 13-1 in favor of the measure, demonstrating overwhelming support for ensuring the health and safety of essential workers.
Also on December 1st, the American Trucking Associations (ATA) sent out letters to the president, president-elect, the CDC, the Department of Homeland Security and the Cyber and Infrastructure Security Agency stating its belief that truck drivers are essential to maintaining a functional infrastructure. ATA Executive Vice President for Advocacy Bill Sullivan wrote that he believes maintaining a healthy workforce within the trucking industry is imperative to minimizing delays and disruptions within the nation’s supply chains.
The hope for all is that vaccination will not only bring about a drastic reduction in COVID-19 cases, but that it will also allow the wheels of industry to begin turning again at full speed. Throughout the pandemic, truck drivers have gone above and beyond the call of duty time and time again in order to ensure communities and business owners have what they need to survive. This demonstration of character and courage exemplifies what trucking is all about, and America and the world owe a debt of gratitude to trucking professionals in all areas of the industry.
