Atrium Health Navicent partners with Macon Housing Authority to provide COVID-19 vaccines to senior residents

Vaccination events provide access to all qualified 1A+ Macon Housing Authority residents

Atrium Health Navicent has partnered with the Macon Housing Authority (MHA) to provide on-site COVID-19 vaccination services for senior residents, many of whom may not otherwise have an opportunity to receive a vaccine due to transportation or other social determinants which might preclude them from accessing preventative care.

“We are proud to partner with the Macon Housing Authority to remove barriers and improve access to COVID-19 vaccines for many of our community’s most vulnerable senior residents,” said Atrium Health Navicent President and CEO Delvecchio Finley. “During such a devastating pandemic, this partnership is another example of how we’re working to improve our community’s health and wellness, elevate hope and advance healing for all.”

More than 40 people received vaccines Friday at the partnership’s first vaccination location, the Dempsey Apartments in downtown Macon. Future MHA vaccination sites will be announced in the coming days.

Many of the Macon Housing Authority’s senior residents find it difficult to travel to COVID-19 vaccination sites, said Macon Housing Authority CEO Mike Austin.

“MHA is excited to partner once again with Atrium Health Navicent to improve the lives of those in our community,” Austin said. “Our seniors are very grateful for this effort and MHA is proud to partner with the dedicated professionals of Atrium Health Navicent to undertake this very important work at this very critical time.”

Residents will be informed of vaccination dates at their individual properties and will have an opportunity to sign up for an appointment. Second shots, often required to complete the vaccine series depending on the brand, will also be provided on-site by Atrium Health Navicent. Vaccines are being offered at no cost to residents.

Only residents who qualify under Phase 1A+ of Georgia’s priority distribution plan – which includes residents age 65 and older – are eligible to receive a vaccine. Atrium Health Navicent is following vaccine distribution guidance from the Georgia Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

COVID-19 vaccines have been determined to be safe, effective and vital in the fight to end the pandemic, said Dr. Sanford G. Duke, Chief Clinical Officer for Atrium Health Navicent.

“With the concerning rise of new variants and evidence that available vaccines are effective in providing protection against variant strains, we’re in a race to vaccinate as many people as possible. Vaccination is a crucial step to saving lives and avoiding the terrible health outcomes that can result from COVID-19 infections,” Duke said. “This partnership helps us to proactively target some of the most vulnerable people in our community, provide them with opportunities to be vaccinated and bridge gaps in health care equity.”

Contingent on adequate supply, Atrium Health Navicent is continuing to work through logistics and supply chain challenges with a goal of providing vaccinations at other locations in the community. Individuals with health questions about being vaccinated are asked to consult with their primary care physician.

About Atrium Health Navicent

Atrium Health Navicent, the leading provider of health care in central and south Georgia, is committed to its mission of elevating health and wellbeing through compassionate care. Providing more than 1,000 beds and offering care in 53 specialties at more than 50 facilities throughout the region, Atrium Health Navicent provides care for health care consumers through an academic medical center; community, pediatric and rehabilitation hospitals; urgent care centers; physician practices; diagnostic centers; home health; hospice and palliative care; and a life plan community. Atrium Health Navicent is dedicated to enhancing health and wellness for individuals throughout the region through nationally recognized quality care, community health initiatives and collaborative partnerships. For more information, please visit www.NavicentHealth.org.