Free Transportation Available for Seniors with Vaccination Appointments

Oklahoma County residents age 60 and older who qualify for a vaccination appointment are now able to schedule a free trip to and from their vaccination site with EMBARK. Customers must fit into a COVID-19 vaccination eligibility category as well as EMBARK’s Mobility Management qualifications to schedule a free, non-emergency trip.

To participate, customers should first have a vaccination appointment scheduled through the OCCHD website before signing up for a round-trip ride. Trips must be scheduled at least three days in advance of the appointment . First- time riders should contact EMBARK at 405-297-2583 to complete a short intake interview to verify eligibility.

“Through our partnership with OCCHD, we can be a part of our community’s push to a healthier tomorrow by providing safe and on-time transportation to vaccination appointments,” said Jason Ferbrache, EMBARK Administrator. “EMBARK is already positioned to offer independence and convenience to those needing transportation, and free vaccination rides only enhance that effort.”

The Oklahoma COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan is currently in Phase 2. This includes citizens age 65 and older, and beginning on Feb. 22, adults age 18 and older with comorbidities, including but not limited to hypertension, obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, chronic lung, liver or renal disease, cancers and those who are at high risk of mortality and severe morbidity resulting from COVID infection, are also eligible. EMBARK will offer free rides to residents 60 and older with comorbidities or 65 and older, which fit into the Phase 2 category of eligibility for a vaccination.

“We are grateful for this partnership with EMBARK because it makes this life-saving, free vaccine more accessible to everyone in Oklahoma County,” said Dr. Patrick McGough, Director of OCCHD. “The winter weather certainly made our older residents hesitant to drive, so it was wonderful to offer them this opportunity. As more providers start offering vaccination appointments, we hope our senior residents will not let transportation inhibit them any longer. We need everyone to get vaccinated so our community can get on the other side of the pandemic.”

Currently, there are six continuous providers offering vaccination appointments in Oklahoma County, with sources expanding as more vaccines become available. This EMBARK service is available to seniors to access transport for a vaccine at any location.

For more information about the OCCHD and COVID-19 vaccines, visit https://www.occhd.org/covid-19vaccine.