Homeward Bound Vaccination Operation Launched In Stratford

STRATFORD, CT — The Stratford Health Department is partnering with Stratford EMS in order to bring coronavirus vaccines to residents determined to be “homebound” and unable to safely access the vaccine clinics being offered by Stratford Health.

This is being done under an executive order by Gov. Ned Lamont and is being called “Operation Homeward Bound” by the Stratford Health and EMS team, according to officials.

Stratford EMS is providing EMS personnel who have been qualified as “vaccinators” through the State Department of Public Health and partnering them with another “Healthcare Professional” like a Registered Nurse, to make up “vaccine teams” to deliver COVID-19 vaccine services to those residents determined by Stratford Health Department as being "homebound."

“One of the central challenges of a comprehensive successful vaccine rollout has been reaching those who are homebound that may be among the most at-risk to COVID-19,” Mayor Laura Hoydick said in a news release. “There has been tremendous concern among family members of those who are homebound as to how their loved ones can be vaccinated, and we are pleased to launch this program which can solve that problem. I am proud of our Health Department and EMS team for collaborating to ensure vaccination for some of our most vulnerable residents.”

Stratford Health and Stratford EMS began “piloting” the program on Friday morning, visiting at least 10 people who will be vaccinated. By placing a nurse together with EMS, the vaccine teams can provide vaccinations, monitoring and valuable information and support related to the COVID-19 vaccine program in Connecticut and Stratford, in the home.

“We are proud to partner with our colleagues at Stratford Health to bring this important pilot program to Stratford residents who are homebound,” said Michael Loiz, director of EMS. “Our goal is to help get as many people vaccinated as possible and this program allows us to get the vaccine to those who can’t come to our clinics.”

Andrea Boissevain, director of the Stratford Health Department, said: “We are excited to be collaborating with our EMS partners on reaching out into the community and serving some of our most vulnerable residents.”

Homebound residents include those who need assistance or medical equipment to leave the home and/or a healthcare professional has deemed that a specific health condition will worsen if the individual leaves the home. This includes those who are unable to get to a medical appointment without the use of an ambulance.

The Stratford Health Department encourages residents over the age of 55 who believe they meet this specific definition to call 203-385-4090 or email health@townofstratford.com to speak with a nurse about the best option to get vaccinated.