Omicron variant spurs increased push to get Central Florida seniors COVID-19 boosters

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — There’s a renewed push to help Central Florida seniors get their COVID-19 booster shots heading into the holidays as the omicron variant continues to spread.

The Osceola County Council on Aging is providing any of the three vaccines there, and if seniors can’t get there, they’ll provide transportation.

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“COVID, unfortunately, is not going away and we want them to be comfortable and have access to the care that they need,” said Christin Hougland, senior vice president of the Council on Aging’s health services.

Making sure seniors get their shots wherever and however is needed is part of a greater Senior Resource Alliance Initiative that oversees Osceola County’s services, as well as Brevard, Orange and Seminole counties.

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Senior Resource Alliance has a dedicated counselor who can answer questions about vaccinations, provide information and help coordinate appointments for initial doses or boosters.

The nonprofit is also providing adult day care and transportation services so that caregivers can take the time they need to get vaccinated themselves and protect the elders in their care.

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Seniors can also contact Senior Resource Alliance if they need help registering for an at-home vaccine or booster shot.

For more information, seniors can call the ELDER Helpline at (407) 514-1800, or visit SeniorResourceAlliance.org/Vaccines.

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Omicron COVID-19 variant On Nov. 26, the World Health Organization classified a new variant, B.1.1.529, as a “variant of concern” and named it omicron. (WFTV.com News Staff)

3 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine can ‘neutralize’ omicron variant, companies say (NCD)

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