| Sarasota – The Department of Health in Sarasota in coordination with Sarasota County Health and Human Services now offers in-home vaccination services to residents of Sarasota County if they are not able to go to a clinic or other location to get vaccinated. This may include people with disabilities, chronic health conditions, children, and caregivers. The homebound immunization service offers flu, pneumonia, and all authorized COVID-19 vaccines. According to Aleksandra Fitzgibbons, DOH Sarasota Immunizations Program manager, older adults are more likely to go to the hospital for some infectious diseases, including pneumonia, which is a leading cause of death for this age group. Who can get an in-home vaccination? Sarasota residents that have difficulties leaving their home to get vaccinated. These difficulties may come from a person’s physical disabilities as well as chronic health conditions and non-apparent disabilities. Examples of circumstances where someone would be able to get in-home vaccinations include: · Individuals of any age who are physically or mentally unable to leave the house. · Homebound individuals receiving home health services. · Individuals aged 65 and older who are unable to drive or to leave the house without proper transportation. Situations other than those described in the eligibility criteria will be evaluated by the nurse through a phone interview. This is not a complete list of who may receive an in-home vaccination. If you or someone in your household could benefit from an in-home vaccination, please use the information below to contact the Department of Health in Sarasota County and find out more. Additionally, caregivers of people using the in-home vaccination program may get vaccinated at the same time if they let the vaccinator know ahead of time. Caregivers are anyone that provides support to the person, including non-family persons paid to provide services.People may request in-home vaccination Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. by calling (941) 861-2784. In-home visits take place every Wednesday and Thursday. For individuals with the following health insurance companies: Traditional Medicare (A & B), Blue Cross Blue Shield (Florida Blue except My Blue), Aetna and Aetna Medicare Advantage, the cost of flu and pneumonia vaccines are covered. Co-payments may apply. For individuals with NO health insurance the costs are as follows, flu vaccine (regular dose) $20, flu high dose $79.34, flu (for individuals allergic to egg products) $79.34 and pneumonia vaccines are $20. COVID-19 vaccines are administered at no cost to the individual. ### |
| About the Florida Department of Health:The Department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. |