DETROIT – Vaccination teams will begin visiting Detroit homes Monday as part of the city’s effort to administer COVID-19 vaccines to residents who are homebound.
The city of Detroit’s COVID vaccination rate is low at 36.3% -- which is well below Michigan’s total. As of Sunday, 60% of Michigan residents above the age of 16 have received at least their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine.
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Last week, Detroit officials launched a program to bring vaccine doses directly to residents to increase access to vaccines for those who want it.
“It is critical for us to get our homebound residents vaccinated,” said Denise Fair, Detroit’s chief health officer. “Our teams will call them to make appointments. They don’t have to call us. We believe it is imperative to remove any barriers they have.”
Officials say the city will call residents who are eligible to receive a vaccine at their home, as a list of individuals has been provided to them by the state. Homebound Detroit residents can also call 313-230-0505 to schedule an appointment for a vaccination team to visit their home.
Note: Detroit vaccination teams will not be visiting residents’ homes unless an appointment was scheduled. If someone approaches your home saying they have a vaccine for you, but you did not schedule an appointment, do not let them in your home.
In partnership with the Detroit Area Agency on Aging, Wayne Health, Maternal Infant Health Program Providers and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the Detroit Health Department will reportedly have more than 150 teams available to vaccinate homebound Detroiters over the next several months.
“These are people who lack either the mobility and/or transportation to get to a site. We are excited about this city of Detroit initiative and the collaborative partnerships which will work to keep our most vulnerable seniors safe from contracting COVID-19. We look forward to growing our partnerships to provide the care that can keep people safe and healthy in their own homes for as long as possible.”
Ronald Taylor, president and CEO of Detroit Area Agency on Aging
Officials say that in addition to homebound residents getting vaccinated, other members of the household who have not yet been vaccinated can also receive a shot when the vaccination team is there.
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The city began calling homebound residents to schedule appointments last week. Officials say they expect the program to last through November or early December.
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