$50 Million Improves COVID-19 Vaccine Access

Despite the U.S. government's plan to end the public health emergency in May 2023, the National Council on Aging (NCOA) today announced it is distributing about $50 million in Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) grants to improve COVID-19 vaccine access and education.

"Those living at home are less likely to have access to the pharmacy," commented Josh Hodges, Chief Customer Officer at NCOA, as McKnight's Home Care Daily Pulse reported on May 1, 2023.

"They're less likely to be able to interact with their community as a whole, so bringing the vaccine into the home is part of what many of our organizations are doing."

"It's not only important for the individual themselves, but the caregivers, the family members, and those surrounding the older adult," added Hodges.

With $50 million in federal funding from the HHS' U.S. Administration for Community Living, the largest grant in its history reported NCOA.

Previously, LeadingAge confirmed on April 17, 2023, it would distribute $270,000 in grants among 20 member organizations to boost vaccinations. 

LeadingAge's partnership with HHS' We Can Do This campaign is the latest pandemic-related collaboration between the two organizations. 

Note: Pharmacies in the U.S. have distributed over 50% of all COVID-19 vaccines in 2023.