As COVID-19 continues to spread across New Hampshire – for the week of August 12-18, 2022, we averaged 228 new cases of COVID-19 per day – it is important that people with disabilities and their families can access accurate, up-to-date information on the pandemic and the tools available to protect themselves. One of the most effective tools is the COVID-19 vaccine.
The state program to provide access to vaccines for individuals who are homebound or lack access to transportation to vaccine sites ended on June 30th. DRC-NH staff made multiple inquiries to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to find out how individuals who are homebound can access the vaccine and boosters now. Unfortunately, it appears as though the state has no ability to provide the vaccine to these individuals at this time. This is unlikely to change before October 2022 as the state is in the process of reviewing applications from vendors to provide this service. The DRC-NH is very concerned that there is no plan to protect these individuals and will continue to advocate for this population.
Additional Booster in September or October 2022
It is likely that an additional booster shot that is more effective against recently emerging varieties of COVID-19 will be released in late September or early October. At this point, the state does not have a plan to prioritize access to this new booster for vulnerable populations, but plans are still developing. It is also unclear whether shots will be available at pharmacies, grocery stores, and doctors’ offices across the state or whether it will be made available to individuals who are homebound. We will publish additional information about this new booster as it becomes available.
If you have trouble accessing a COVID-19 vaccine, go to drcnh.org/covid-19 or call us at (603) 228-0432 for assistance.
