USA: A Mobile Flu Vaccine Clinic for the Vulnerable in NYC

“Malteser International Americas provided the infrastructure, staff, and volunteers to make this flu clinic a reality, providing a dignified setting for the most vulnerable” - Patricia Kringas, RN., MA., CDE., lead clinical volunteer

Why MI Americas is here:

A man getting a flu shot from the Malteser International Americas mobile flu clinic — A beneficiary receives a flu shot at the Malteser International Americas flu vaccination clinic in October.

In New York City, the homeless are one of the most vulnerable populations and number over 100,000. They often lack access to healthcare, and due to poor living conditions, are prone to disease. The seasonal flu and cold winter months is a difficult time for homeless New Yorkers. This year, Covid-19 adds its own blanket of burden to the vulnerable, as well as on the City’s healthcare systems.

To partially alleviate this burden, MI Americas has partnered with ArchCare, the continuing care community of the Archdiocese of New York, and enlisted the support of the Order of Malta Americas Association, for an ambitious vaccination campaign directly benefitting the City’s most vulnerable communities, namely: the homeless, the elderly, and those in mental health residence facilities. In order to gain the trust of the community members, the locations of the mobile flu clinic were chosen based on existing strong community ties: parishes and homes for the elderly.

MI Americas’ programs on the North American continent speak to our understanding that need exists everywhere, even in the first world.

How We Help:

Communities addressed: homeless, elderly, mental health resident facilities
220 direct beneficiaries (to date)
4 out of 5 Mobile clinics completed

“What a blessing it was for the Knights of Malta and Malteser International to bring its New York City based flu clinic to Catholic Charities Beacon of Hope (BOH) residence in the East Bronx this past Thursday. “Beacon” helps its clients address mental issues in a safe and supportive environment, helping these individuals achieve greater levels of independence and fulfillment…” – Michael Guglielmo. ArchCare

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Photo caption: Trust within the community is a necessary tenet of the success of MI Americas' programs.

Photo caption: Folks who are interested in getting a flu vaccine are screened for eligibility. Here, Pat Kringas, RN guides a beneficiary through the paperwork.

Photo caption: Many are sometimes skeptical of vaccines, often lack accurate information. Here, a beneficiary asks questions to our head nurse, Pat Kringas, RN.