Homebound can get COVID-19 vaccinations brought to them

ST. LOUIS – City residents who are unable to travel to COVID-19 coronavirus vaccination sites because of health issues can now have the vaccine brought to them. The city’s health department is teaming up with the fire department and other groups to protect some of the city’s most vulnerable people.

The special vaccination program started Wednesday, with 12 people and their caregivers receiving the vaccine.

“This program will  provide much-needed protection against COVID-19 for clients who may find it difficult to visit a  vaccine clinic,” Dr. Fredrick Echols, acting director of health for St. Louis, said in a statement. “By  bringing the vaccine to them, we remove the barrier of travel and ensure these clients are not left  behind in the vaccination process.” 

Health and fire personnel are working with the St. Louis Department of Human Services, the St. Louis Area Agency on Aging and Team Rubicon, a veterans disaster response organization.

Valerie Russell, director of the city’s Department of Human  Services, said, “Partnerships like the ones working on this project help the Department of Human Services continue to offer services to individuals while caregivers provide crucial assistance allowing them to remain at home.”   

Emergency Medical Technicians from the fire  department will administer the vaccines.

“Our EMTs have been on the front  line of the vaccine distribution, from assisting early on by administering the vaccine to providing  support in the post-vaccine observation areas at the Department of Health clinics,” Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson said. “Continuing this partnership allows us to serve our community in a  proactive approach against COVID-19.” 

Anyone who is or knows of a homebound person unable to visit a COVID-19 vaccination clinic without assistance, please call the St. Louis Area Agency on Aging at 314-612-5918 during normal business hours (Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m).

Individuals are encouraged to call soon to ensure their names are added to the list. The homebound program will last as long as vaccine is available.