At least 2 million older adults are homebound a number that increases when including younger people who are homebound due to illness or disability. This brief from the Trust for America's Health recommends actions that federal, state, and local government, state and local health agencies, the healthcare sector, and community partners should take to ensure that people who are homebound are vaccinated against COVID-19. Funded by Cambia Health Foundation and The John A. Hartford Foundation.

Among the report’s recommendations are:

  • Prioritize the administration of COVID-19 vaccination for people who are homebound and their caregivers (both paid and unpaid) by providing sufficient vaccines and the resources needed to administer them in the shortest time possible.
  • Develop a standardized operational definition of “people who are homebound” in order to identify this population and prioritize their vaccination. A range of data sources should be used to identify the population while respecting privacy rights.
  • Ensure that the COVID-19 vaccine is equitably available across the homebound population and that no subset of the population is less served due to race, ethnicity, SES status or where they live. Use data to identify pockets of under-vaccination.
  • Develop and actively promote multiple communications channels for vaccine appointments scheduling, including use of channels that minimize reliance on computers and internet access.
  • Leverage partnerships and establish new ones with public and private sector organizations that already serve the homebound population to ensure equitable and efficient vaccine administration.
  • Ensure, to the degree possible, that in-home vaccination teams include people who are trusted by those being vaccinated and who represent the diversity of the population they serve.
  • Government agencies and private payors should ensure that all costs associated with in-home vaccinations are covered including administrative expenses, travel time and transportation costs, and observation time.

Read the full article about access to COVID-19 Vaccines for people with disabilities at Trust for America's Health.