As part of the ongoing partnership with the Berks Community Health Center, the County of Berks has started a targeted effort to help homebound individuals in our community receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
The Berks County Area Agency on Aging has been working closely with BCHC to schedule in-home vaccinations for homebound individuals ages 60 and older. The first in-home vaccinations are being administered today, April 15, with more than 20 individuals scheduled to receive their first shots of the COVID-19 vaccine.
“The homebound seniors of Berks County are one of the most vulnerable populations during this time of need,” said Mary Kargbo, CEO and President of the Berks Community Health Center.
“This collaboration is representative of BCHC’s commitment to ensure that all residents have access to the COVID vaccine and receive the care they need and deserve.”
The County and BCHC wanted to make sure there was a specific effort in place to provide the COVID-19 vaccine to individuals who are unable to leave their homes. The Berks County Area Agency on Aging receives and thoroughly vets requests to determine that individuals are truly homebound and then works with BCHC to schedule a time for a nurse to make the in-home visit.
“This effort aligns with the Berks County Area Agency on Aging’s mission to help meet the needs of the most vulnerable older adults in Berks,” Director Jessica Jones said.
“Our Agency has dedicated staff that have made linking older adults to vaccinations a priority. We are happy to be part of this and have received an overwhelming sense of thankfulness from these homebound older adults and their families. Our Agency is here to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the community members we serve and we will continue to work with community partners to continue to meet this important need.”
The County is also partnering with the Berks Community Health Center and other community organizations on the Berks Cares Vaccine Center that will be opening soon in Muhlenberg Township.
