RHA Residents Get Vaccinated

Almost 20 Roxboro Housing Authority residents received the first round of two COVID-19 vaccination shots last week at Person Family Medical Center (PFMC.)

Leadership and staff members of the medical center and the Housing Authority coordinated the effort within a week due to the limited vaccine supply from the N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS.)

"I was elated when I received a call from Martha [Pickett] at the Medical Center about the possibility of residents receiving COVID vaccines," said Felts Lewis, RHA executive director.  "This is a game-changing effort to turn the tide of the global pandemic that has put a grip on the lives of the most vulnerable for so long now."

The first vaccination event took place Fri., Feb. 12, 2021, despite rainy weather and before the ice storm that caused massive power outages throughout Roxboro.  Person Co. Transportation Service (PATS) provided roundtrip curbside pickup service. More events are planned based upon vaccine availability.

RHA Housing Management compiled a list that included almost 80 residents meeting the current vaccine requirements of being 65 of age or older or a healthcare worker.  Residents get priority placement on the medical center's waitlist.  Housing management used its list to share the opportunity to get a shot.  A PFMC representative scheduled an appointment and arranged transportation.

NCDHHS launched "Find My Vaccine Group" to help North Carolinians know when they have a spot to take their shot. North Carolina is currently vaccinating people in Groups 1 and 2, which include health care workers, long-term care staff and residents and people 65 and older. Group 3 will include frontline essential workers; Group 4 will include adults at high risk for exposure and increased risk of severe illness; and Group 5 will include everyone.

For more information about getting a COVID-19 vaccination shot, call (336) 599-8616.  

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