Now, when registering through Denton County’s online waitlist, applicants can indicate that they are homebound, making the new service available to them. The service was approved at the April 20 Commissioners Court meeting and went into action on April 22.
Three days into the program, six individuals received the vaccine, with about 70 more on the homebound waitlist, according to an update made at the Denton County Commissioners Court on April 27.
Though the vaccine waitlist is open to all Texas residents, the homebound program is exclusive to those living in Denton County.
The program will be jointly handled by Denton County Public Health and Denton County Emergency Service District 1. ESD fire and EMS staff will visit each individual in their home to administer the vaccine.
“This ESD is going county-wide,” Judge Andy Eads said. “It’s a one-stop shop. They’ll be working with our health department and our vaccination clinics. They’re going to be able to go to all four corners, beyond their service area. We want to make sure that everyone who wants a vaccine can get one.”
Commissioner Ron Marchant praised the program, noting that while some counties are divesting vaccine distribution to private companies, Denton County is not.
“We have depended on people just like (DCPH and ESD 1) that are part of our Denton County family to do the right thing and help those that need the most help,” Marchant said. “We really do appreciate that.”
