HHS to expand older adult COVID-19 vaccine access

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently partnered with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Administration for Community Living (ACL) to expand older adult COVID-19 vaccine access.

The initiative would provide nearly $100 million to assist with increasing vaccinations among older adults and those with disabilities, advancing key goals of protecting the most vulnerable and advancing equity.

“The Biden Administration is committed to expanding access to vaccines, with a unique focus on ensuring those hit hardest by COVID-19 and at highest risk for severe illness or death get vaccinated,” HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said. “Through this unique, exciting new partnership between ACL and CDC, HHS will work alongside advocates to help older adults and people with disabilities get the services and assistance they need in order to get vaccinated and have the security of knowing they are protected from COVID-19.”

Via CDC funding, the ACL is slated to issue nearly $93 million in grants to the aging and disability networks in every state and territory, officials said, adding the funds would also help provide services to overcome barriers preventing millions of those at-risk for serious illness and death from COVID-19 from receiving vaccines.

Per HHS, older adults are more likely to have a severe illness, be hospitalized, or die from COVID-19 while people with disabilities have additional conditions increasing the risk for severe illness due to COVID-19.