OKDHS and District 1 Health Department partner in the panhandle and northwestern counties

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (April 26, 2022) – Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS) has partnered with the District 1 Health Department to ensure homebound individuals ages five and older, as well as their family caregivers, have access to COVID and flu vaccines. For these individuals, who may already have complex medical conditions, access to vaccines can literally be life-saving.

Tami is a caregiver for her adult son, Barry, who is homebound due to Muscular Dystrophy. Barry had been unable to access a COVID-19 booster until his mother reached out to the Community Living, Aging and Protective Services (CAP) vaccine assistance line. After getting his Pfizer Booster and a Flu vaccine, Tami expressed relief and gratitude that the vaccine access program could break down barriers for her and her son.

“Barry is on hospice and no longer able to sit in his wheelchair,” said Tami. “Without this service, he would not be able to get his booster.”

Jacquelyn is an older Oklahoman who has COPD and neuropathy in her feet, making walking painful and complicated. She had been unable to access a COVID-19 vaccine, which made her feel vulnerable and frustrated, even considering reaching out to the media for assistance. After reaching out to the CAP vaccine assistance line to request the first doses of the vaccine for herself and her adult son, who is also her caregiver, Jacquelyn knew that hope was ahead for her family.

“I’m in disbelief that someone was willing to come out,” said Jacquelyn. “I felt heard and like someone was making an effort to get me some help when Sheila called me back. By getting the vaccination, my son will be able to go to the doctor since he has been afraid to leave the home. I will feel more comfortable being around my family. The word needs to be shared.”

Community Living, Aging and Protective Services (CAP) staff assist in coordinating access to all COVID-19 vaccine doses, including boosters, and flu vaccines, where available, to help customers navigate vaccination barriers. Nurses from the Health Department come to the home to administer the vaccine.

“COVID-19 has certainly presented trials few of us have faced in our lifetimes, but our communities have risen to the challenge,” said CAP Director, Jeromy Buchanan. “I’m so proud of the collaboration between our team and the state and local Health Departments and the many pathways they are opening for homebound individuals, not only for life-saving vaccines, but also for other critical services that help these individuals stay healthy and thrive.”

In addition to hand washing, social distancing and wearing a mask, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says vaccination is one of the best tools to prevent severe disease, hospitalization and death from COVID-19.

“Oklahoma District 1 County Health Departments are partnering with OKDHS to provide COVID vaccine administration to homebound citizens in NW Oklahoma and the panhandle,” said Ashley Ferguson, Regional Administrative Director. “This collaboration allows citizens that are unable to leave their homes the opportunity to receive COVID vaccine.”  ​

For more information on accessing COVID-19 vaccines and boosters for homebound individuals and their family caregivers, visit https://forms.office.com/g/sKKmXt1Wsm or call 918-948-0810 or 918-931-0346.

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