SARASOTA – The COVID-19 vaccine is a light at the end of the tunnel for some Suncoast seniors.
But, actually getting the shot? Hope you’re feeling lucky. The story of one Journey…
“Kind of like Willy Wonka getting that golden ticket, it was unbelievable, it is very, very difficult,” said CEO of Parkinson Place, Alix Redmonde.
For Larry Hoffheimer, Founder of Parkinson Place, trying to get an appointment on the Sarasota Department of Health’s website, was as he described, one of the most frustrating days of his life.
“I must’ve spent three hours on the internet and every time I would get on, all slots we’re taken,” said Founder of Parkinson Place, Larry Hoffheimer.
Parkinson Place CEO, Alix Redmonde helped her boss obtain his appointments. She says using the Eventbrite site is not the best interface.
“It must be very difficult for seniors, especially those that aren’t tech savvy, to understand that just because you made it into the waiting room isn’t a guarantee that you are in the line, so it is a little misleading,” said Redmonde.
Through a partnership with the Department of Health, Sarasota Memorial Hospital expanded their vaccination efforts and used its own supply of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to administer at least 3000 vaccines for those 65 and older Saturday and Sunday, adding better organization, compared to the DOH-managed events and giving some hope to some of those who have been left discouraged several times.
“I was able to get in, and I finally got a confirmation, you got two tickets, so I was thrilled, and when I told Larry, that I was able to get him the two tickets, he thought I was joking,” said Redmonde.
Hoffheimer and his wife, Linda, we’re vaccinated Saturday, on the first day of Sarasota Memorial’s vaccination clinic. He says that was the easiest part, by far..
“It was extraordinarily well organized, to do 1500 in an afternoon is just unbelievable,” said Hoffheimer. “In fact when I got the shot, I didn’t even feel it, I thought they missed me.”
Sarasota Memorial has a follow up event to administer a second dose to everyone who received a COVID-19 vaccination this weekend.
