​​​Executed Agreement between California and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

What is the purpose of this data use agreement?

The agreement establishes how California will share information about COVID-19 vaccinations with the federal government and what information will be provided, which is a condition for states to participate in the federal vaccination program.  This ensures that California receives its share of COVID-19 vaccine doses procured by the federal government.

What information about people who get vaccines will be reported to the federal government?

The data provided by California to the federal government will include only a person’s birth year (this will not be reported for individuals older than 80), sex, the county where the COVID-19  vaccine is administered (this will not be reported for counties with a population below 20,000), and race and ethnicity (this will not be reported for counties with a population below 20,000).

Why did California amend the data use agreement with the federal government?

In March of 2021, the federal government requested that California provide race and ethnicity data, in addition to the information already being provided. The federal government wanted this information nationwide to evaluate the success of its efforts to distribute the vaccine equitably to all persons. It was determined race and ethnicity could be provided under California law and the agreement was amended to include that information. In exchange, the federal government agreed the information will only be used in furtherance of the public health response to COVID-19. The CDC specifically agreed not to use or share the data for any civil or criminal prosecution or enforcement, including, but not limited to, immigration enforcement. The CDC further agreed to dispose of the data as soon as practicable, consistent with federal record retention laws.

​​Originally published December 16, 2020