READING (Newsardio 100.1 FM and AM 1020 KDKA) – Governor Tom Wolf announced how the state and its partners are working together to assist Pennsylvanians who cannot leave their home get the COVID-19 vaccination.
"Pennsylvanians who cannot leave their homes face unique challenges when it comes to vaccine access," Gov. Wolf said. "We're all working together to reach out to this population that can be hard to pinpoint. It's very important to me and to everyone here today that we make this concerted effort to reach out to this group of Pennsylvanians who have been particularly hard-hit by the isolation that comes with a pandemic. We are committed to finding every way to reach Pennsylvanians who cannot leave their homes and give them equitable access to the COVID-19 vaccine."
Efforts to locate the people in need include Pennsylvanians who are not receiving services through the Department of Human Services or Department of Aging.
"The Department of Aging and the Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) are committed to helping all segments of Pennsylvania's older adult population obtain a COVID-19 vaccine, including those older adults for whom leaving their home to get a vaccine is either impossible or highly impractical," said Aging Secretary Robert Torres. "Addressing the needs of these seniors is an issue that requires us to mobilize and collaborate to fit the needs and resources of each community. AAAs have been doing a great job collaborating with community partners to help older adults obtain their vaccine appointments. Now, we're seeing AAAs and counties build upon those successful models to find creative ways to reach seniors who cannot leave home, such as partnering with EMTs and visiting nurses. We appreciate the ongoing support of Governor Wolf and the departments of Health and Human Services to help us further advance these efforts."
Acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam is working to ensure vaccine providers are working with local AAAs and other groups to help Pennsylvanians who cannot leave their homes.
"Today's amended order continues our work with our Medical Assistance managed care organizations to facilitate vaccine appointments for Pennsylvanians who are at greater risk of a severe COVID-19 case if they contract the virus," said DHS Acting Secretary Meg Snead. "These partnerships break down barriers for seniors, adults with disabilities, and others in our Medical Assistance system who are high-risk and cannot leave their homes, many of whom are lower income or people of color. This direct outreach and coordination are essential for an equitable vaccination process and will help us save lives."
"Homebound individuals have experienced social isolation for more than a year because of the pandemic," Sen. Schwank said. "Simple activities we take for granted, like getting food, household necessities and medical care, became even more difficult to accomplish. Getting COVID-19 vaccines has added an additional layer of anxiety for homebound people, especially seniors, who desperately want to be vaccinated but can't leave their homes. It's our obligation to do all we can to get to them vaccinated and I am especially pleased that Governor Wolf and Acting Secretary of Health are taking this charge seriously."
"We are in this fight against COVID-19 together, and I appreciate Governor Wolf and his administration coming to Reading and making a commitment to ensure our residents are vaccinated," said state Rep. Manny Guzman, D-Berks. "It is important for all levels of government to partner in this effort, and my office is available to help connect people to the vaccine, as well as get them the help they need during this very difficult time. People should not go without proper health care and services, no matter their circumstance."
