Free COVID-19 vaccines are available to elderly Schuylkill County residents residing in public housing high-rises.

“Our objective is to really reach out to the vulnerable populations,” Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill President William “Bill” Reppy said Wednesday.

With that in mind, those who meet the 1A vaccine phase guidelines, which include 65 and older and 16 and older with certain health conditions can get the vaccine. Registration is required.

At the Minersville, Schuylkill Haven, Shenandoah and Ashland high-rises, shots will be given March 16. Vaccinations will be given at 9:30 a.m. at the Minersville and Shenandoah sites, and 11:30 a.m. at the Schuylkill Haven and Ashland locations.

Tim Hale, executive director of the Schuylkill County Housing Authority, said about 125 of the 337 residents have registered. Some also have received their shots through other means.

“We’re just happy to be able to get this for the vulnerable people that we have,” Hale said.

The effort to help the elderly has been in the works for some time, Schuylkill County Emergency Management Coordinator John Matz said.

Matz is a member of the Schuylkill County Response Recovery and Renewal Task Force. He said the task force, which consists of the commissioners, hospital representatives, school and industry leaders, and others wanted to connect those in need with the hope the vaccine provides.

“This was literally our first step,” he said.

Other vaccinations are possible. He said DeAnna Orlowsky, executive administrator of the Schuylkill County Office of Senior Services, has been in contact with the owners of the private high-rises and elderly housing buildings in the county. He said the potential exists for those residents to receive the vaccine.

Reppy said a team of employees from the Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, will administer the vaccine, which could be either the Moderna or Pfizer one. A follow-up shot is needed.

“Anybody that wants it we will do it,” he said of those eligible for the vaccine at the locations.

He didn’t know how many doses they would have.

“We don’t charge for this. It’s 100 percent free,” he said.

The vaccine is a matter of supply and demand.

“This is a journey. There is not an endless supply,” he said.

The hospital usually receives its vaccine early in the week but does not open appointments until it verifies the shipment received.

“We continuously ask the state for more,” Reppy said.

In any given week, between 1,500 and 2,000 people are vaccinated, Reppy said, adding they could do 3,500 if enough vaccine is available.

Mike Peckman, director of public affairs and marketing for LVH-Schuylkill, said he realizes people are “eager and a little impatient” to get the shot. He said the hospital is doing what it can.

“Please get the vaccine,” Reppy said.

To make an appointment, visit lvhn.org or call 1-833-584-6283.

Following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines by maintaining social distance, wearing a mask and washing hands frequently are important, Reppy said.

“We are not out of the fire yet,” he said.