VACCINE FOR ALL: CITY EXPANDS VACCINATION EFFORT FOR SENIORS

 

Two on-site senior vaccination clinics to launch week of February 15th

 Mayor de Blasio today announced a three-pronged plan to vaccinate homebound seniors and the essential frontline home care workers who care for them. Beginning next week, the City will launch on-site senior vaccination clinics and, with the arrival of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine in March, stand up a vaccination drive for homebound seniors. To minimize risk for homebound seniors throughout the month of February, the City will aim to vaccinate 25,000 home health aides over the next month, offering dedicated appointments in the areas where they live and work. 

 

"We are moving heaven and earth to get our senior neighbors vaccinated", said Mayor Bill de Blasio. "Now, we are bringing vaccines to seniors right in their communities, ensuring our vaccines go to those who need them most.”

  

“Throughout the pandemic, we have worked to safeguard and protect our homebound older adults, one of the most vulnerable populations to COVID-19. This plan safeguards their health in a comprehensive manner – vaccinating them close to home and vaccinating homecare workers, who throughout the pandemic have continued visiting and caring for older adults in their home. We are grateful to all homecare workers , who are among New York’s heroes and grateful to our City agency partners and community-based partners who are working together to protect our homebound older adults,” said Department for the Aging Commissioner Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez.

 

To meet seniors where they are, the City will set up vaccine clinics at DFTA retirement communities and HPD Senior Buildings. Two on-site vaccination clinics will launch the week of February 15th, with additional locations to be identified and prioritized in the coming weeks:

 

• Warbasse Cares Program (2844 Ocean Parkway, Brooklyn)
• Morningside Retirement & Health Services (100 LaSalle Street, Morningside Heights)

 

The City will also ramp up vaccination for homecare aides, home health aides, and personal care aides. These aides will receive priority appointments at City vaccine sites, as well as increased access to five City workforce hubs. The City will also launch new sites dedicated to serving this population.

 

Given the instability of the mRNA vaccine, the City will begin using the Johnson & Johnson vaccine when it is available to provide in-home vaccination for homebound seniors. With the help of City agencies, such as FDNY, and our home health care partners, the City aims to provide in-home vaccinations for thousands of homebound seniors. 

 

"Vaccinating vulnerable seniors is a key component of our City's recovery effort and equity plans," said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Melanie Harztog. "From opening dedicated vaccine sites for older adults to developing plans to deliver Johnson & Johnson vaccine directly to them at home, these creative strategies will help ensure we reach and protect NYC residents most at risk."

 

“Vaccinating homebound older adults where they live is crucial to protecting their health and safety,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Dave A. Chokshi. “Our seniors are among the most vulnerable to this virus, and we are prepared to do whatever it takes to protect them.”