Flagler County Paramedics Providing COVID-19 Vaccine & Friendliness To Homebound Seniors

Bunnell, FL – A three member Flagler County paramedic team is taking the COVID-19 vaccine to  medically-homebound seniors. To date, they’ve vaccinated 108 people with 41 of them fully vaccinated. They’re also lifting the spirits of a group of residents whose circumstances have left them especially isolated during this yearlong pandemic. “These people are so grateful to see us, and it’s not just because we are coming to give them a shot,” said Community Paramedic Caryn Prather, who heads up the team that includes paramedics Rob Errett and Jason Feldman. “The isolation is taking a toll. We see people who are only leaving the house to check the mail and take out the garbage.” Emergency Management Planner Nealon Joseph schedules and tracks the appointments, and also sets up efficient routes for the team. “Many of these residents are in tears over the phone just hearing that their vaccination has been scheduled,” Joseph said. “It’s been a long year for all of us, but it has been especially hard on our homebound residents.” Prather asks residents with homebound neighbors to mask up, and check in on them. “It’s a small thing, but it can make a big difference in their lives,” she said. “If you are limiting your contact with others to limit exposure, that’s good, but remember to get outside by yourself and take a walk. Fresh air and sunshine is a mood booster.” For the latest information on vaccine eligibility and to register for a vaccination appointment, please visit www.FlaglerCounty.org/covid for details. Those who do not have internet access should call the state appointment hotline at 866-201-1541. Registrants will be contacted in the order that they signed up. For Flagler County residents who are 65 years old or older, and who are also medically homebound or require transportation assistance to the Flagler County Fairgrounds, please contact the Emergency Operations Center at 386-313-4200, or by email at EOC@FlaglerCounty.org to discuss available options.