Duval County

One vulnerable group struggling to get COVID-19 vaccines: homebound seniors

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. —

Amy Champagne is her mom’s full-time caretaker.

“She’s got pulmonary fibrosis which is a debilitating lung disease and it was not caused by anything other than an auto immune disorder,” said Champagne.

QUICK LINKS: How to make a COVID-19 vaccine appointment in the Jacksonville area

She said her mom, Patricia, receives hospice care can’t leave the house, meaning going to a vaccination site is out of the question.

“When I started looking for options for the homebound, I asked hospice first and they said, ‘we don’t know yet’,” said Champagne.

She also sent emails to the governor, and members of congress as well as the Florida Dept. of Health but still no answers.

“Here in Putnam County I still have no information I haven’t been able to get through to the health department,” said Champagne.

Action News Jax reached out to the Dept. of Health and a spokesperson said plans to vaccinate the homebound must be done at the county level.

But there’s no clear plan.

Champagne feels people like her mom have been forgotten.

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“Without the vaccine what is your biggest concern going forward for your mom?” asked Lorena Inclán.

“Her getting it. Because you know people are having to come into the house the caregivers are having to come into the house, yes, they have the vaccine, but they can still carry it,” she said.

According to the Dept. of Health the State Emergency Response Team is prepared to send vaccination strike teams to homebound populations, if it’s requested by the county.