Jackson Tower on N. 6th Street.
A large group of seniors in Harrisburg will have the chance to receive the COVID vaccine this weekend.
The Harrisburg Housing Authority partnered with UPMC to offer vaccinations for all residents at the authority’s Jackson Tower and Lick Tower—apartments for the elderly.
“We believe it’s important for us to provide this opportunity directly to our residents,” said Oche Bridgeford, director of communications for the housing authority. “Nationally, people of color, especially Black people, have the lowest immunization rates in the country.”
Residents over the age of 65 who sign up before noon on Friday can receive the shot onsite at the towers on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Elderly staff or those with severe health conditions may be eligible, as well.
“UPMC is committed to continuing to address health disparities and setting aside first doses for underserved communities, communities of color, and communities hardest hit by COVID-19,” said Tina Nixon, vice president of mission effectiveness, diversity and inclusion at UPMC Pinnacle.
According to Bridgeford, some residents at the two complexes have already been vaccinated. There have been many barriers to residents accessing it, he said, as most are low-income and lack means of transportation.
As of noon on Thursday, Bridgeford said almost 50% of residents had registered. He expects even more by Friday.
He hopes that the Harrisburg Housing Authority can partner with UPMC for future vaccine distributions, as well.
“We look forward to expanding vaccination opportunities in coordination with our Mission Effectiveness team as more vaccine becomes available,” Nixon said.
Residents of the Jackson Tower or Lick Tower can register by calling 717-443-0824. For more information, visit https://harrisburghousing.org/.
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