Snag: Online vaccine sign-up an issue for some seniors
It’s not easy for some members of the most vulnerable population to get online to register for the COVID-19 vaccine.
Phones were lighting up this week at the Waterford Senior Center, while the Area on Aging 1B in Southfield had 200 calls specifically about the vaccine.
“Seniors are really anxious to receive the vaccine and are finding it challenging to make an appointment because they can’t do it by phone. That’s the common theme we’re hearing,’’ said Jenny Jarvis, chief communication and strategy officer for the Area on Aging 1B.
Michigan moved to Phase 1B of its vaccine distribution plan on Monday which included anyone over the age of 65 and essential workers such as teachers. Eighty percent of the COVID deaths in Michigan have been from those age 65 and older.
Nearly 9.5 million seniors, or 16.5 percent of U.S. adults 65 and older, lack internet access, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Access is worse for seniors of color: more than 25 percent of Black people, about 21 percent of Hispanic people and over 28 percent of Native Americans 65 and older have no way to get online. That’s compared with 15.5 percent of white seniors.
When calling for an appointment is
sometimes an option, finding a number is often only possible online.
“Our typical senior has a hard time signing up online for just about anything if they don’t have their helper sitting next to them,’’ said Erin Asdell, coordinator of the Waterford Senior Center. “It’s really difficult because you have to call your son and get his email address to fill out a form and you’re going to drop it anyway. I would, I would drop a letter, a digit or a space or something. That’s a very real thing. The issue right now is not even signing up online, it’s when are more vaccines available.’’
The Senior Center activities have been shut down for the pandemic with the exception of their Meals on Wheels program which sends out 200 meals a week.
“We’re going crazy because we have people we really wish could get it, even first responders haven’t gotten it. Here we operate with volunteers who are seniors,’’ Asdell said. “We were having this discussion while we were getting the Meals on Wheels out the door. We have 80-yearold volunteer drivers who are on a waiting list, I’m on a waiting list.’’
The best advice at this point is for family and friends to lend a helping hand.
“There aren’t any organizations we’re aware of at this time to help a senior make an appointment,’’ Jarvis said. “We’re trying to convey a message to reach out to their family, anybody in their pandemic bubble, who can help them set up an appointment online whether it be helping them register for a healthcare portal which can be a little confusing or even making an appointment for them on the county website or Meijer is taking appointments.’’
Large doses of patience
and kindness will be needed to get all seniors over age 65 vaccinated in the coming weeks and months.
“A lot of people are not comfortable registering online but if you had a 90-year-old mother you would probably sit down and get her registered. That might be the tact to take,’’ Asdell said. “If you have somebody you’re concerned about then as a good neighbor or family member we really need to reach out and help these seniors.’’
She said they can’t register seniors for appointments because they are closed due to the pandemic. And trying to do it over the phone would be too difficult.
Plus there’s another issue. Many seniors don’t have email addresses.
“We’re doing the same thing with our tax program. It all has to be registered online and these people are just not — people who need it the most are not savvy,’’ Asdell said.
Once they register to sign up for an appointment seniors may become anxious and concerned about when that will happen.
“I think everyone is trying their best, (we need) patience and talking to your older loved ones and helping calm their anxiety, their confusion, their frustration,’’ Jarvis said. “Some seniors have been able to get a vaccine and others are, ‘How did you get that?’ and then they get more anxious.’’
Stress is not helpful in the situation.
“People are so anxious and I think they need to understand that stress and anxiety doesn’t help their overall health. Just remember you don’t want to get stressed that can be detrimental to your heath. Just be positive and know you will eventually be able to get the vaccine,’’ said Renee Cortright, executive director of the Older Persons Commission in Rochester.