By: Jessie Chrobocinski
For many homebound seniors, making an appointment to get the COVID-19 vaccine has been a struggle. Spearheading a novel solution that has made the City of Corpus Christi an exemplary model across Texas is Mayor Paulette M. Guajardo. Saving Our Seniors Homebound Program (SOSHP) is brought together by a partnership between the City, Meals on Wheels, and the Corpus Christi Fire Department to immunize homebound residents. This program brings COVID-19 vaccines to the doorsteps of our most vulnerable populations.
“The Save Our Seniors (SOS) program protects our most vulnerable population during the COVID-19 pandemic, our seniors and the homebound,” Mayor Paulette M. Guajardo says. “I believe that every city, state, and country should take vaccinations directly to senior citizens and the homebound in their community.”
Mayor Guajardo also shares her inspiration to launch this program came to mind when thinking about her parents, who are both in their eighties. Thanks to the Saving Our Seniors Homebound Program, more than 2,000 locals have received their vaccine at home.
“The City of Corpus Christi is extremely proud of our Save Our Seniors (SOS) program, which has become a model that has been launched statewide, and hopefully nationwide,” says Mayor Guajardo.
To register for the service list, a Saving Our Seniors Homebound Program hotline number is opened with a set number of appointments for homebound residents, including seniors and the disabled. The city makes announcements when a new supply of vaccinations is available and when registrations are open via local news and media outlets.
Once an appointment is confirmed, local firefighters will visit residents at their homes to administer the vaccine, including the second vaccine dose required after a few weeks.
To sign yourself or a family member up for the City’s Saving Our Seniors Homebound Program vaccination service list, call 1-888-728-0018. Be sure to check the City’s website for updates. The Saving Our Seniors Homebound Program hotline number is not always open. The phone line will only be open when the City receives a vaccine allotment for the program.
