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County, Finger Lakes vaccine hub finalize plans to vaccinate homebound

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wnyc.org

Monroe County and the Finger Lakes COVID-19 Vaccine Hub have partnered with community health agencies and health care systems to finalize plans to bring the vaccine to homebound residents.

Dr. Ali Loveys, the operational lead for the program, said after about a month of preparation, the partnership is now ready to serve that community. She said the hub has been committed to reaching that population, but it was a matter of getting adequate vaccine supply.

“I don't know if we could have offered it any sooner, quite honestly, given the constraints of the vaccine supply," Loveys said. "But we're happy we’re doing it now.” 

Loveys said vaccinating this community could allow for more home visitations and relieve prolonged feelings of isolation. 

“If they were homebound before COVID-19 started, and now we've taken away many of their social interactions with people because they didn't feel safe with them coming into the home,” Loveys said, “that's just compounding an already tough situation.”

Data from the county shows about 1,000 people in the Finger Lakes region are homebound, and 40% of them have already been vaccinated.

Loveys said even though the population is small and has fewer interactions with the public, only one encounter could transmit the virus.

The program will be using the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, but will work with anyone who already received a first dose of Pfizer or Moderna. An ambulance worker will be delivering and administering the vaccine.

To schedule a vaccination through the program, email FLvaccineHUB@urmc.rochester.edu or call the county’s COVID-19 Hotline at (585) 753-5555.

Racquel Stephen is a health and environment reporter. She holds a bachelor's degree in English literature from the University of Rochester and a master's degree in broadcasting and digital journalism from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.