CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Local leaders are considering several measures in hopes of ensuring that everyone who wants a COVID-19 vaccine gets one.
That includes possibly creating a shuttle service to take people who aren't able to drive themselves to clinics that offer the shot.
“We’re trying to figure out how we can do it -- how we can address this part of our community," Mayor Paulette Guajardo said. "Because there definitely is (a population of homebound residents), and we’ve heard their voices.”
City Manager Peter Zanoni said if the city moves forward with the shuttle program there would be a number of coronavirus-transmission prevention measures in place.
He also pointed out an added benefit for shuttle-riders -- possibly avoiding the hours-long lines at the 'Mega' vaccine clinics at the Borchard Fairgrounds in Robstown.
“We’re looking for a means to provide the vaccine option to seniors that won’t necessarily require all that extended stay," Zanoni said.
Just shortening the drive to a vaccine clinic is another option being considered.
Guajardo said that she and the city council are working with county and health leaders to possibly open such a clinic within the city limits.
Local leaders are also bringing in some muscle to help.
“We’re working closely with the Corpus Christi Fire Department on a plan to reach populations that cannot physically make it to the drive-through," Director of Public Health Annette Rodriguez said.
Just how firefighters would be involved in the vaccination process isn't clear, but KRIS 6 News will update this story when more information becomes available.
