Vaccine 'House Calls' Made By EMS Agencies, Chesco Health Dept.

WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County EMS agencies and the health department have been making house calls with vaccines for those who can't make it to a clinic and since late March have made 10 calls a day.

As part of its effort to ensure every eligible Chester County resident who chooses to have a COVID-19 vaccine is able to receive one, the Chester County Health Department said today it has partnered with local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agencies to schedule at-home vaccine appointments for those who are unable to attend a vaccine clinic.

Through the partnership, advanced Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and Paramedics are deployed to administer either Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine to individuals in their home setting. Caregivers for the individuals are also offered the vaccine if needed.

Good Fellowship Paramedic Kerri Barrett has been delivering some of the 232 first doses that have already made it to homes. She said, "Those receiving at-home vaccinations invite us to sit down and are eager to share how the pandemic has affected them personally."

Barrett added, "The service we are providing goes beyond getting a vaccine. The personal connection with individuals unable to leave their home has added hope in looking ahead and returning to normalcy."

Chester County Health Department Director Jeanne Franklin said, "Our COVID-19 vaccine program includes a variety of approaches, from traditional clinics of varying sizes to mobile clinics and small community-based clinics. But we recognize that not everyone is able to access these vaccine opportunities, so we have been bringing vaccines to the homes of those who have a medical or physical limitation."

Franklin explained, "The best way to do this is to partner with our qualified local EMS agencies."

Health officials identified people from across Chester County who would benefit from receiving the COVID-19 vaccination at home, using lists provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, the Chester County Department of Aging Services, and through self-identification for the need. All were contacted to confirm their need, and appointments scheduled to administer the vaccine, the county said.

The county's at-home vaccine program began in late March and to date, 232 first dose vaccines have been completed in Chester County, covering all individuals identified as needing a vaccine in the home setting, the health department reported. On average, each EMS agency team covered 10 at-home appointments a day, given the travel time, and the time needed to remain with the individual after administering the vaccine.

The partnership with the local EMS agencies spanned all areas of Chester County. The at-home vaccinations will continue as long as needed.

"This shot represents hope to those who need it and who had real concerns for how they would receive the vaccine," said Ian Sadock, Advanced EMT for Good Fellowship.

Chaz Brogan, Chief of Good Fellowship Ambulance and President of the Chester County EMS Council stated, "The opportunity to be a part of the County’s solution to slowing and eventually ending the COVID pandemic is extremely gratifying for EMS providers, particularly considering they spent so long working on the stressful frontline during the pandemic."

Uwchlan Ambulance Corps Chief Tammy Whiteman said, "It has been an honor to help the Chester County Health Department and Chester County Department of Emergency Services with the at-home vaccine program. Our providers found it was a privilege to help our residents receive the COVID vaccine in a way that fit their personal needs."

Additional Chester County EMS agencies that are providing at-home vaccinations include Berwyn Fire Co. EMS and Event Medical Staffing Solutions (EMSS). Agencies that will be participating at a later date are Longwood Fire Co. EMS, West End EMS of Phoenixville, and TowerDIRECT.

Any Chester County resident in need of an at-home vaccine appointment should call the Chester County Health Department at 610-344-6225.

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