The Pennsylvania Department of Aging says a recent state order is fueling an increase in COVID-19 vaccine appointments for senior citizens.
The order from the Pennsylvania Department of Health requires some vaccine providers to work with Area Agencies on Aging to schedule appointments for older adults in Phase 1A.
Department of Aging Secretary Robert Torres says AAAs are reporting the partnerships are helping to reach senior citizens with limited resources.
"These arrangements are helping AAAs in their ability to offer direct appointment assistance to callers and clear their waiting lists to older adults who have called them because they didn't have access to a computer and needed assistance," he said.
Officials admitted there is still work to be done, especially in reaching the homebound. They say they are actively working to find solutions.
Holly Kyle, board president of the Pennsylvania Association of Area Agencies on Aging believes the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will play a role in reaching more homebound people.
"While it's an exercise in patience, which unfortunately, sometimes is rough, I do believe that the arrival of the one dose vaccine will be an advantage as we look forward to vaccinating our homebound population," she said.
Any senior citizen in Pennsylvania looking for a vaccine can call their local AAA for assistance. There's more information on the state's website.
