SARASOTA-CHARLOTTE COUNTIES (WSNN) – The COVID-19 vaccines are theoretically available to those who are 65 and older, but what if you’re homebound?
Port Charlotte mom, Mary Craig is 95 years old and is homebound due to a stroke she had in late November.
“She’s been here 95 years, she needs a little respect on this one,” North Port daughter of homebound mom Pat Brown, said.
North Port daughter, Pat Brown, is trying to get her mom a Covid-19 vaccine. But, the homebound are not included.
“There’s no way my mother could stand in any line, and to take her out would set her back,” Brown said.
Even after leaving countless messages to Governor Ron DeSantis and the health departments from Sarasota and Charlotte counties, she’s had no luck.
“And I’ve talked to people like on the 211 line. And I’ve asked them,” Brown said. “And they all tell me, they know it’s a problem, but they’re waiting for Governor Ron DeSantis or somebody to make a decision on it.”
Brown’s mom is not going out anywhere right now, she says there are still safety concerns.
“When other people come in, it does put us at risk for her to have her care done,” Brown said. “The only way to really protect her is to get the vaccine and make the house a safe house.”
Brown says a vaccine is necessary to keep her mom alive.
“It reconnects my mom with her life,” Brown said. “The grandkids and everybody, that’s her life; that’s what she lives for.
“I miss my friends and family,” Craig said.
The waves from the window are not the same. But, Craig is hopeful.
“I believe we’re going to take the vaccine,” Craig said.
When SNN reached out to the Sarasota County health department, spokesperson, Steve Huard said they’re working on strategies to address the homebound individuals as more vaccines become available.