OKLAHOMA CITY (June 8, 2022) – Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS) has partnered with the District 8 County Health Departments 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.

Kendra is homebound due to several significant medical conditions. She received her first two COVID shots with the help of the OKDHS Community Living, Aging and Protective Services (CAP) vaccine team and recently received her OKDHS COVID text reminder to schedule her booster shot.

“This extraordinary service is sorely needed in our communities,” said Kendra. “Sadly, I’m not sure enough people realize just how necessary a program like this is. As a severely immunocompromised and bedbound individual, there were absolutely no options available to me to receive my COVID-19 vaccinations or my booster shots. If it were not for this vital community service, I would still be vulnerable to this deadly pandemic. Wonderfully, while the nurses were here they were also able to give me my overdue flu vaccine. I had given up even thinking that I would be able to get my flu shot.”

Kendra was grateful not only for access to the vaccine, but also for the support of the CAP team and District 8 County Health Departments.

“All of the folks I have spoken with or met have been supportive, helpful and most importantly, they have been kind,” she continued. “Thank you again for taking such good care of me.”

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.”

“The county health departments in South Central Oklahoma are partnering with OKDHS to increase access to the COVID-19 vaccine for residents who are unable to leave their homes,” said Chris Munn, Regional Administrative Director. “This collaboration supports some of our most vulnerable residents and their families.” 

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. Everyone 5 years of age and older is eligible for the primary series of vaccines and a booster shot. Those aged 50 years and older, as well as moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals aged 12 years and older, are authorized to receive a second booster shot.

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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