Cobb Senior Services teamed up with Cobb and Douglas Public Health to distribute 200 COVID-19 vaccines to our most vulnerable of the vulnerable. Just seven days ago, CDPH officials contacted CSS staff to help them find seniors who want to take the vaccine, but might be homebound or have both transportation and technology challenges.
 
“We average about 200 calls per week from Cobb seniors inquiring about the vaccine, so we know the need is great,” Dr. Jatunn Gibson, Cobb Senior Services director, said. “As soon as public health officials contacted us with an allotment of 200 vaccines, our staff sprang into action. We made hundreds of phone calls to seniors on our service list, assessing their interest in getting the vaccine and any needs they may have, such as transportation.”
 

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About 50 seniors who said they needed transportation were provided with rides to and from C. Freeman Poole Senior Center. One man was so determined to get his vaccine that he walked several miles to the facility. CSS staff provided him with transportation home. Many in attendance commented how smoothly the process went and expressed their thanks for this opportunity.

“I’ve been trying to locate a site that’s convenient for us because my husband is handicapped, so when Cobb Senior Services was offering this through Cobb and Douglas Public Health, I jumped right on it,” Gretchen Mattei said. “This has been so wonderful and well organized.”
 
Seniors who received vaccines today are scheduled to return for their second shots at the end of March. CSS staff will again make reminder calls to those seniors and ensure needed transportation is arranged.
 
As state public health officials make more vaccine supplies available, Cobb is ready to facilitate similar events at other senior centers around our county. The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office provided security and EMTs were on hand in case of an emergency.