SAN DIEGO (Press Release) – Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) is offering free rides to local seniors who want to receive COVID-19 vaccine booster shots – or the original vaccine – as part of the agency’s continued efforts to provide meaningful services to help San Diegans through pandemic challenges.
Rides are provided through JFS’s On the Go, the largest senior transportation program in San Diego County, serving seniors of all faiths and backgrounds and helping them maintain their independence and mobility.
“Many of our local seniors are homebound and don’t have access to transportation,” said Michael Hopkins, CEO of JFS. “We can’t let this stand in the way for older adults who want to receive a vaccine or booster. We want people to know we’re here to help.”
On the Go is supported by a team of volunteers who take older adults to doctor’s appointments, the grocery store or on other errands. The program expanded its services earlier this year to offer rides for senior vaccination and has provided seniors more than 270 rides for COVID vaccines since January.
“With the CDC’s recent recommendation about booster shots for seniors, we want people to know that we stand at the ready to provide free rides for seniors who want a booster shot or still need the initial vaccine,” said Hopkins.
Seniors or their caregivers can call 858-637-3210 to schedule a ride. For vaccine or booster appointments, On the Go shortened the mandatory 7-day advance notice to 2-days. For more information, visit jfssd.org/onthego.
The rides are available to seniors residing within 36 San Diego County zip codes served by the program:
- Eastern San Diego – 91941, 91942, 92103, 92104, 92105, 92108, 92111, 92115, 92116, 92117, 92119, 92120, 92123, 92124
- Northern San Diego – 92007, 92014, 92024, 92037, 92067, 92075, 92091, 92106, 92107, 92109, 92110, 92121, 92122, 92130
- North County Inland – 92029, 92064, 92126, 92127, 92128, 92129, 92131, 92025 (West of San Pasqual/Highland Valley Road)
Hopkins added that JFS is always looking for additional volunteer drivers to help older adults get to vital doctor’s appointments, run errands, visit with friends and more.
“Volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization,” he said. “We couldn’t provide the services that help so many in our community without our dedicated team of volunteers.”
Interested volunteers can visit jfssd.org/volunteer to learn more.
On the Go is a program of Charitable Adult Rides and Services (CARS) and is operated by Jewish Family Service of San Diego.
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Preceding provided by Jewish Family Service