OKC Firefighters Assist Homebound Vaccinations

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Oklahoma City firefighters have been pitching in to assist some of the most vulnerable members of the community in protecting themselves from COVID-19.

In a press release, the Oklahoma City-County Health Department offered its gratitude to Oklahoma City Fire Department personnel who visited over 100 homebound residents to administer vaccinations against the deadly virus. The firefighters will conclude their efforts on Friday.

“We are grateful that the Oklahoma City Fire Department stepped up to help us reach this vulnerable population,” Dr. Patrick McGough, OCCHD CEO, said in the release. “Making sure the COVID-19 vaccines were accessible to all residents was one of our main goals when vaccinations became available. Everyone deserves to be protected from this deadly virus.”

The initial list provided to the fire department contained 66 residents, but by working on the project seven days a week, the OKCFD reached that total in two weeks. As more calls came in to the health department's hotline, firefighters worked those appointments into their schedules and eventually reached 101 people.

Oklahoma City Fire Chief Richard Kelley said working with other organizations to meet the community’s needs is vital to his department.

“It has always been necessary for firefighters to find ways to adapt and to be creative to solve problems,” Chief Kelley said. “The pandemic has taught us all that finding new solutions to new problems is the new normal. We are thankful for our community partners at the Oklahoma City-County Health Department and for their diligent work to keep our community safe.”

The OCCHD has now overseen vaccinations of 167 homebound residents and will continue to provide the service to anyone who needs it. If you are in the area and require a vaccination visit, appointments can be made by calling 405-425-4489.