Senior citizens looking to register for the COVID-19 vaccine may get some help over the phone.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services announced Monday (Feb. 15) that it is now collaborating with Area Agencies on Aging to help those 60 and older with online registration for the vaccine, transportation to vaccine appointments and reminders about getting the second dose.
“Navigating the web and registering online can be a challenge for seniors, so we’re working closely with the AAAs to provide hands-on assistance with the process and make sure folks have safe transportation to their appointments, “ said Jessica Bax, Director of the Division of Senior and Disability Services. “This partnership with the AAAs will ensure all Missouri seniors are able to access their vaccine.”
Jefferson County seniors may call Aging Ahead at 636-207-0847 or 1-800-243-6060.
“AAAs are a trusted resource, rooted in every community across the State of Missouri,” said Ann McGruder, executive director of the Missouri Association of Area Agencies on Aging. “They are dedicated to serving seniors and meeting all their needs, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. AAAs will play a vital role as DHSS works to ensure that every older Missourian has access to a COVID-19 vaccine.”
Right now, a Missourian older than 65 is eligible for the vaccine.
Vaccine clinics
The Jefferson County Health Department was planning to vaccinate 280 people today (Feb. 16), but the clinic has been rescheduled to Tuesday (Feb. 23) due to weather.
Those who had appointments to receive the vaccine today will have an appointment at the same time on Feb. 23. Those who can’t make it on that date may send an email to director@jeffcohealth.org to try to arrange another appointment.
Comtrea, which offers health care services around the county, also has rescheduled vaccine clinics that had been set for this week because of the inclement weather. Anyone who had one of the appointments will be contacted, said Nathanael Herbert, Comtrea marketing communications manager.
The Health Department gives all vaccines by appointment only and will contact people who have registered for the vaccine and who are eligible to receive it under the state’s distribution plan to set up the appointments.
To register for a vaccine through the Health Department, go to https://hipaa.jotform.com/210126757688060. People without internet access may call the registration line at 636-789-8941.
Like the Health Department, Comtrea gives vaccinations by appointment only, and the agency will contact eligible people who have registered and are eligible to receive the vaccine to make appointments.
To register with Comtrea, visit comtrea.org/vaccine-inquiry.
According to the state’s COVID-19 vaccine dashboard, an estimated 6 percent of Jefferson County residents have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and a total of 20,454 doses have been administered, including both first and second doses, to county residents. Jefferson County has a population of about 225,000 people.
Only those who are included in Phase 1A, Phase 1B Tier 1 and Phase 1B Tier 2 of the state’s vaccine distribution plan may receive the Health Department vaccines at this time.
Mercy also has created an online sign-up method to help distribute vaccines to those eligible under the state’s vaccination plan. To sign up with Mercy, go to mercy.net/MOVaccine.
Other hospital systems and pharmacies also are registering people for the vaccines.
County COVID stats
The Health Department has not provided updated COVID-19 data for the county since Feb. 11 and has been closed since then due to the Presidents Day holiday and inclement weather.
According to that last report, the county had a total of 21,158 coronavirus cases and 182 COVID-19-related deaths since the start of the pandemic.
The county is in the orange status on the Health Department’s COVID-19 warning system, the second highest level on the four-color system. The orange status indicates widespread but controlled transmission of the coronavirus.
Health Department officials urge residents to continue taking steps to prevent the spread of the virus, including limiting nonessential travel; avoiding crowds; wearing masks; practicing social distancing and frequent hand-washing; and staying home when you are sick.
