Ro’s COVID-19 Vaccine Drive, a pro bono initiative, has launced in select zip codes in Yonkers, New York, initially focusing on seniors 65 years old and older. The program is entirely free for all vaccine recipients. In-home vaccination appointments can be scheduled at covidvaccinedrive.com by eligible individuals, as well as their relatives and caregivers, when digital literacy or access is a challenge.
Second doses for each recipient will be scheduled on site after the first shot and also administered in-home as part of the program. Saman Rahmanian, Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer of Ro, said: “In New York alone, there are more than three million seniors who may find it difficult or unsafe to leave their home and travel to a vaccination site or retail pharmacy to be vaccinated. We are proud to work with New York State’s Department of Health to offer Ro’s in-home care, telehealth, and pharmacy capabilities to administer vaccines to New Yorkers from the safety and convenience of their homes.”
New York State is supplying the Moderna vaccine to initiate the program. To ensure the Vaccine Drive reaches those with limited digital access or literacy challenges, Ro and the Department of Health are working with Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano and Yonkers Office for the Aging to engage relatives and caregivers who can sign up eligible vaccine recipients and help coordinate in-home vaccinations on their behalf.
In addition to providing this in-home service completely free to patients, Ro is arranging free transportation for the healthcare professionals administering the vaccine in individuals’ homes. Uber is donating free rides to help cover a portion of the transportation costs.
So far, more than 1,500 homebound seniors already have been vaccinated! people can sign up at covidvaccinedrive.com. Ro is now following the new age eligibility of 30+ until 4/6, then will open up to anyone 19+, still targeting individuals who have trouble traveling to a vaccine site due to being homebound. Throughout this, we will prioritize homebound and vulnerable individuals through YOA’s network. If additional members in a household qualify, they can sign up together – this includes caregivers.
Currently, the Moderna vaccine is offered. Starting on April 6. the J&J vaccine will also be offered.
