4/12/21 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Section 1557 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act are Federal laws that protect qualified persons with disabilities from discrimination based on disability in programs and activities that receive Federal financial assistance.
HHS is available to assist covered entities in ensuring equitable vaccine distribution. OCR is available to provide technical assistance on Federal civil rights requirements and also investigates complaints alleging discrimination on the basis of disability with regard to access to vaccines. OCR has issued guidance on Federal Legal Standards Prohibiting Disability Discrimination in COVID Vaccination Programs as well as guidance about civil rights protections prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin and ensuring the civil rights of persons with limited English proficiency during COVID-19.
