Bringing COVID-19 Vaccines To Westchester Homebound Seniors

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — The Ossining Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Phelps Hospital and Northwell Health are giving free COVID-19 vaccinations and testing to Westchester residents, including making visits to homebound seniors.

The services are also being offered at OVAC headquarters and at pop-up sites throughout the county through the Community Paramedicine Program.

The program was developed in response to the ongoing pandemic and its impact on local residents, especially seniors unable to travel to vaccination sites. Volunteers at OVAC were trained and certified to administer COVID vaccinations and testing, with the goal of expanding to seasonal flu vaccinations in the near future.

Home vaccinations and testing can be scheduled for those unable to travel by calling 914-941-9196 or emailing covidtest@ossiningvac.org.

“When the pandemic hit our area, our dedicated members looked for innovative ways to connect and reach those that needed extra help,” OVAC EMS Director Nick Franzoso said in the announcement. “The Community Paramedicine Program has enhanced our delivery of care to the communities we serve – and it was through our partnership with Phelps Hospital that allowed us the ability to develop this program and have it become so successful.”

The Phelps Department of Emergency Medicine’s relationship with OVAC dates back to the 1960s. Today, the partnership extends beyond the ambulance corps’ typical service area, reaching residents across all of Westchester with home visits and pop-up sites at various community organizations and local events.

“The OVAC/Phelps Hospital Community Paramedicine Program provides COVID vaccinations at the homes of vulnerable seniors, which can be lifesaving,” said Dr. Emil Nigro, OVAC Medical Director and Physician Advisor & President of the Phelps Hospital Medical Staff. “It’s another first in Westchester County!”

Vaccines for the Community Paramedicine Program are provided directly from either the Westchester County Department of Health or the New York State Department of Health.

OVAC is able to offer COVID molecular testing free of charge to the community through a partnership with the Town of Ossining.

Testing, both rapid antigen and a rapid molecular NAAT, is available on Mondays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. by appointment. Appointments may be booked online for both COVID vaccines and testing by visiting www.ossiningvac.org.

The Ossining Volunteer Ambulance Corps is located at 8 Clinton Ave.