Equitable approach leads to vulnerable elders receiving COVID-19 vaccine

By Everett Housing Authority | Press Release

Everett, Wash., March 8, 2021 – COVID vaccinations are being offered to elderly residents with low incomes at Everett Housing Authority properties in Everett and Snohomish County through on-site mobile clinics. The Snohomish County Vaccine Taskforce, local fire departments, and Everett Housing Authority (EHA) are partnering to offer on-site mobile clinics in EHA senior apartment buildings. Fire Department Emergency Medical Services workers are administering the vaccinations in the community rooms of the apartment buildings.

So far, nearly 500 residents have received both doses of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. Fire Department EMS workers have also administered the vaccine in the apartment units of some residents who do not have sufficient mobility to come down to the community room for their shots.

This is an incredible effort in terms of equity and access to the vaccines. Many of the residents do not have internet access or private transportation. Some residents have limited mobility or English language fluency, making it difficult to compete for scheduling appointments with other elders who have ready access to the internet and private transportation. The mobile clinics are literally a lifesaver for these elderly members of the community.

One resident, 76-year old Mertle, living in an EHA senior building in the Delta neighborhood said of the clinic in her building, “[It] was kind of like a miracle to come in and scoop us all up and take care of us!”

This week mobile clinics will reach the remaining seven EHA buildings for seniors in the Silver Lake area, Lynnwood, and Lake Stevens. This week, the Snohomish County Vaccine Taskforce plans to administer the newly available Johnson & Johnson vaccine at these clinics.

Everett Housing Authority Executive Director Ashley Lommers-Johnson says of the mobile clinics, “The clinics represent the best in inter-governmental collaboration to bring a vital medical resource to high-risk senior populations who otherwise may not benefit for some time to come.”