Media Contact:
Paula Smith, Communications Manager
(513) 509-9211; psmith@help4seniors.org
BLUE ASH, OHIO, Jan. 10, 2022 Council on Aging (COA) is urging all older adults to get vaccinated against COVID-19 – including booster shots. Booster shots are important because the vaccine’s effectiveness at preventing serious illness lessens over time – especially in people age 65 and older. Older adults who need help getting vaccinated can contact COA at (513) 721-1025. COA can help older adults find a vaccine provider, provide free transportation to vaccinations, and help eligible individuals get vaccinated in their homes. Through these efforts, COA has helped nearly 4,000 area older adults get vaccinated against COVID-19.
“Any older adult who has been on the fence about getting a booster shot should do it now,” said Ken Wilson, vice president of program operations and business services at COA. “Older adults have the highest vaccination rates in Ohio, but what we’re seeing now is that older adults who do not have their booster shot are at risk for getting seriously ill or being hospitalized. In fact, most people in the hospital today due to COVID-19 are older adults.”
According to recent hospital data for the southwestern Ohio region, adults age 60 and older make up the majority of hospital admissions due to COVID-19 (Ohio Hospital Association). Additionally, a recent analysis of COVID breakthrough hospitalizations conducted by Peterson-Kaiser Family Foundation found a strong correlation between age and breakthrough cases that result in hospitalization: 69 percent of breakthrough COVID-19 hospitalizations occurred in people age 65 and older.
The following booster schedule is recommended for adults age 65 and older, depending on the initial vaccine type:
- Pfizer: five months after completing the full series
- Moderna: six months after completing the full series
- Johnson and Johnson: two months after receiving the single-dose vaccination
Older adults who need assistance finding a vaccination provider, arranging transportation to vaccination appointments, or getting vaccinated at home should call Council on Aging at (513) 721-1025. COA’s call center is open Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm.
About Council on Aging
Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio (COA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing quality of life for older adults, people with disabilities, their families and caregivers. COA promotes choice, independence, dignity and well-being through a range of services that help people remain independent for as long as possible.
COA is a state-designated Area Agency on Aging serving Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Hamilton and Warren counties. One call to COA links people to the wide variety of agencies, information and programs that serve older adults and people with disabilities.
Regional Headquarters:
4601 Malsbary Road, Blue Ash, OH 45242 | 513-721-1025 | 800-252-0155 | www.help4seniors.org
Clinton County Office:
2333 Rombach Avenue, Wilmington, OH 45177 | 800-252-0155 | www.help4seniors.org
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