London-area seniors with library cards will soon be getting a call from a library worker to make sure they have the information they need to book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment.
The Middlesex County Library, the London Public Library, and the Middlesex London Health Unit announced Monday that they are launching an initiative that will see library employees placing calls to card holders in an effort to get more people vaccinated.
Beginning Monday, library staff will call card holders aged 70 and over. Once they have reached everyone in this age group, calls will go out to card holders aged 65 and older, and then to those 60 and older.
“London Public Library has continued to provide service and support to Londoners through the Pandemic and we’re so happy to be able to step up to help our community book their COVID-19 vaccine appointments,” said London Public Library CEO Michael Ciccone. “This is such a tangible way that we can use our skills and relationships with our community to assist those who may experience barriers to booking an appointment or need help finding more information. We’d like our community to know that we will navigate this together.”
The health unit estimates over 80 per cent of local residents aged 80 and older have received at least one dose of vaccine. Roughly 65 per cent of those between the ages of 70 and 74 have been given one dose.
In all, it's expected over 20,000 people will be called by library staff.
“As trusted community connectors, it really is a natural fit for Middlesex County Library staff to participate in this initiative,” explained Lindsay Brock, Director of Library Services for Middlesex County. “A number of barriers to access exist for our residents, including challenges related to internet service, so we want to do everything we can to help bridge these gaps.”