The USA Maritime Coalition is urging that American mariners working aboard Maritime Security Program vessels as well as other U.S.-flag vessels in the foreign trades receive immediate access to the COVID-19 vaccine. As noted by the Coalition of U.S.-flag shipping companies, maritime unions and associations, the differences between states in vaccine administration, combined with the current Class I-C status of mariners, means that it may be weeks or months before mariners receive a vaccine. Considering their mission and the fact that these American mariners are a key component of the commercial sealift readiness capability relied upon by the Department of Defense, we are asking that these 3500 seafarers are incorporated into the military’s vaccination campaign applicable to its active duty members.
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