Many vulnerable seniors at assisted living facilities waiting for COVID-19 vaccine, despite promise to prioritize them

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. —

Many seniors at assisted living facilities in Florida are still waiting to get the COVID-19 vaccine, despite promises to prioritize the vulnerable group.

In December, Florida’s governor said residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities would be among the first to get a coronavirus vaccine. Then, the governor prioritized those 65 and older, which widened the pool of people eligible.

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About a month into the vaccine rollout, many assisted living facilities are waiting in desperation to get their residents vaccinated against the coronavirus. That includes HarborChase of Mandarin, the assisted living facility where Laurie Kirschenbaum said both of her elderly parents live.

“They need to get this vaccine and they are very anxious,” Kirschenbaum said. “They’re healthy otherwise, except for the fact that they are 88 and almost 91.”

HarborChase of Mandarin said CVS was originally scheduled to complete the facility’s vaccine clinic this Saturday, but suddenly canceled.

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CDR Health has stepped in to help. The company was contracted by the state to help administer vaccines for seniors at assisted living facilities. CDR Health said it plans to vaccinate seniors at 1,900 facilities by January 31. CDR Health has not yet scheduled a specific date for the vaccine clinic at HarborChase of Mandarin but said it would happen sometime next week.

Kirschenbaum said the wait to get her parents the vaccine has been excruciating enough.

“It has definitely been long enough,” Kirschenbaum said.

Kirschenbaum said she secured two vaccine appointments for her parents tomorrow at the Regency Square Mall. She said there’s finally some light at the end of the tunnel.

“I cannot wait to hug my parents,” Kirschenbaum said. “It’s just been way too long.”

Cox Media Group