Duct Cleaners Association Urges CDC to Prioritize HVACR Contractors for COVID-19 Vaccinations
The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) — also known as the HVAC Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Association — has partnered with other industry organizations to implore the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to prioritize heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) technicians, plumbing and utility service professionals, and heating fuel delivery drivers for Phase 1B COVID-19 vaccine distribution.
Already deemed essential in the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) most recent list of critical infrastructure workers, HVACR technicians, plumbing and utility service professionals, and heating fuel delivery drivers must enter homes and businesses on a daily basis to service, repair, or replace plumbing, heating, or ventilation systems, refrigeration units, or related appliances and equipment. They frequently interact with homeowners, tenants, and their family members, some of which are members of the most vulnerable populations. These workers always wear personal protective equipment and strictly abide by CDC guidelines to protect themselves and their customers, however, there is always a risk of exposure — especially when working in smaller residential units.