INDIANAPOLIS — For some high-risk patients 65 and older, leaving their homes to get vaccinated for COVID-19 isn’t possible. But one group is ensuring our most vulnerable population is still protected from the virus, bringing the vaccine to them.
This mobile integrated health team with Oak Street Health is going door to door, making sure people who want get to vaccinated, can.
“I want to live a little longer,” Mary Steele said. “I’m 84 years old!”
“I talked to God about it,” Anna Louise Springs said. “I ain’t gonna get it.”
93-year-old Anna Louise Springs and 84-year-old Mary Steele got their shots Thursday in the comfort of their own homes. Both were pleasantly surprised how painless it was.
“I couldn’t feel it!” Steele said. “Very easy. Better than I thought it would be because I was scared and everything.”
“Everybody deserves this,” said Dr. Charles Miramonti, Oak Street Health senior medical director. “Everybody deserves access to good healthcare and access to the vaccines.”
Miramonti said Oak Street Health is focused on access, making sure underserved communities receive good health care.
“It is such a meaningful opportunity for us to be a part of this,” he said.
So far, they’ve vaccinated 80 folks who are restricted to their homes through their mobile unit. They expect that number to climb so long as the state keeps sending the vaccine.
“It is a wonderful thing,” Miramonti said. “This is stuff that changes lives and it’s why we all got into healthcare.”
With seven centers throughout the state, eligible patients can sign up online at this link.
