Plum man, 81, one of 30 to receive covid-19 vaccine at home through Plum EMS mobile clinic

Bernie Frazier asked about the outside world one sunny Tuesday afternoon from a chair in his Plum house.

His question, directed at Plum’s EMS director, came after being homebound for more than a year.

“Have you had a lot of fires to respond to this year?” Frazier asked.

Brian Maloney, the EMS director, told him yes, there have been fires — but nothing unusual.

Frazier, 81, has been homebound for more than a year now. The Marine Corps veteran has left his house twice for medical appointments.

Contracting covid-19 could mean death for the man who has a weak heart after multiple surgeries and five stents.

On April 13, Frazier received his first dose of the covid-19 vaccine without having to leave home. He didn’t even need to get up from the chair he’s sat in for the better part of a year. The borough’s EMS department received 30 doses of the Moderna vaccine, and three paramedics took the day to deliver and administer them.

“I’m so happy to be doing this,” Maloney said. “I’m just so glad we get to be involved. We’ve been itching to help.”

Maloney said the EMS’ relationship with the Plum Community Center led to the one-of-a-kind vaccine clinic. The center received around 300 vaccine doses through the Allegheny County Health Department. Most of those vaccines were administered April 13 at the center, but 30 of them went to Maloney’s crew.

Karen Hochberg, the center’s executive director, said she and staff identified homebound patients through the center’s Meals on Wheels program.

Frazier and his wife, Shirley, have been staying in their home to avoid getting sick. Shirley Frazier received her vaccine about a month ago.

“That was the third time out of the house,” she said.

The Fraziers have relied on the Plum Community Center’s Meals on Wheels program for food. Neighbors and family have helped with groceries and other essentials.

At one point during Bernie Frazier’s vaccine shot, administered by Plum Paramedic Alyssa Sciommeri, neighbor Don Smith came through the front door.

“Fresh eggs,” he announced, dropping off the carton in his neighbor’s fridge. Smith, also a veteran, said he has been friends with the Fraziers for around 30 years.

“When I fought with cancer, my neighbors helped me. It’s my turn,” he said later, while applying herbicide to the Frazier’s lawn.

“I do their yard work, I run to the store, I start their car and drive it every once in a while. Whatever they need,” Smith said.

Shirley Frazier said the couple had tried to receive the shot since it became available in December. As clinics popped up throughout Allegheny County, the couple was restricted because of the requirement of traveling and not being able to secure a ride.

“This is amazing,” Shirley Frazier said, watching her husband getting the shot.

Maloney said the EMS crew of three paramedics will return to the 30 patients’ homes May 11 to administer the second dose. In all, he said, the task will be around 15 hours of work.

“It’s a time-consuming process,” he said. “But it’s been a good experience. These people are very appreciative.”