seniors

Between 2 million and 4.4 million older adults are homebound and at extremely high risk of dying from COVID-19. Yet, they haven’t been recognized as a priority group for vaccines.

Glitchy websites, jammed phone lines and long lines outside clinics are complicating the vaccine rollout. And older Americans and those without caregivers and computer skills are at a disadvantage.

Many senior citizens entered their golden years with more debt than previous generations, and now they're struggling financially as they try to provide care for an ailing relative during the pandemic.

The vaccine's Colorado-based medical transport company cited "unforeseen circumstances" for the delay; 7,500 people with appointments to get their first dose must now wait.

It's an effort to get the vaccine in the hands of seniors who are struggling to get to drive-through sites or making reservations.

As of Tuesday night, only 12.% of COVID-19 vaccinations in Florida had been administered to people 65 and older, according to state data.

Social isolation has made life difficult for many senior citizens during the pandemic. Volunteers at one Sarasota organization are finding that a regular phone call can help.

Uncertainties remain. Among them: What side effects can older adults anticipate and how often will these occur? Will the vaccines offer meaningful protection to seniors who are frail or have multiple chronic illnesses?

The project begins by testing the use of blood thinners to reduce bad outcomes in COVID-19 patients, part of a study tied to Operation Warp Speed.