We Will Meet You at Home: Assisting Homebound Seniors With COVID-19 Vaccinations

This initiative builds upon other programs launched throughout the state to provide homebound seniors access to COVID-19 vaccinations. While many of Florida’s older residents have received a COVID-19 vaccination, not every senior is able to leave their home. In these cases, the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the state’s 11 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) are offering seniors access to transportation to go and receive a vaccine. Elders also have the option of having a health care worker bring the vaccine to their front door.

“From the very beginning, Governor DeSantis focused Florida’s vaccination efforts on protecting seniors,” said DOEA Secretary Richard Prudom. “This targeted initiative is an important push to make sure Florida’s homebound individuals have the same opportunity for a vaccination as mobile residents. We’re doing everything possible to ensure every homebound senior has access to a vaccination.”

DOEA’s statewide initiative is distributing over 175,000 informational flyers to older homebound adults requesting more information about vaccines or vaccine access. AAAs made tens of thousands of outbound wellness calls over a 2-month period to identify people requesting more resources. The Depart-ment’s Area Agencies on Aging connect seniors with community providers to get a ride to a doctor’s office, a pharmacy, a grocery store, or another vaccination site. The local AAAs may also assist in arranging a health care professional to come to the individual’s house to receive a vaccination.

The Florida Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) is conducting a communications campaign (radio only, radio/television, and social media) to spread positive, current vaccine access information. The Department of Elder Affairs administers programs and services for elders across the state of Florida through 11 Area Agencies on Aging, which operate as Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs). These ADRCs function as a single, coordinated system for information and access to services for all Floridians seeking care resources. The ADRCs provide information and assistance about state and federal benefits, as well as available local programs and services. The ADRCs are able to provide elders with uniform assistance no matter where they live. This system also offers the public access to a statewide database of local community resources, available on the internet or by calling the Elder Helpline toll-free at: 1-800-96 ELDER (1-800-963-5337).

If you or someone you know would like assistance with transportation in getting to a COVID-19 vaccination appointment or would like a health provider to: bring a shot to your front door, then the Department’s AAAs are here to help. Call: 1-800-96 ELDER or email: homeboundvaccine@em.myflorida.com.