NEWS

MAIC, MHAC Develop New Resource for COVID Vaccine Sites Promoting Info for Older Adults and Caregivers

May 26, 2021

With a goal to raise awareness around services and supports for older adults and caregivers, the Massachusetts Adult Immunization Coalition and Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative have partnered to create an informational resource available in multiple languages that will be distributed at COVID-19 vaccination sites managed by CIC Health. 

MHAC and MAIC are working with vaccine sites managed by CIC Health in Chelsea, New Bedford, and Fall River and staff from Aging Service Access Points will be present on a pilot basis to promote the resource along with other services and supports that may be of interest to older adults and caregivers. MHAC thanks Bristol Elder Services, Coastline Elderly Services, and Mystic Valley Elder Services for their staff’s time as part of this project. MHAC encourages any partners engaged in COVID vaccine clinics to utilize the resource as well, which is available below in multiple languages.

The one-pager includes both websites and phone numbers that are themselves accessible in a variety of languages. These include MassOptions and the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 helpline. In addition, the resource includes a simple call to action encouraging older adults and caregivers to contact their healthcare provider to ensure they are up-to-date on other critical vaccinations.

As adults age, it’s important to keep immunizations up to date.  Immunity can wear off over time, making older adults vulnerable to illness and disease.  Keeping vaccines up to date is particularly important for adults with chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or asthma.  Having a chronic condition can make it harder for older adults to fight off certain diseases or make it more likely to have serious complications from certain diseases.  All adults should check with their primary care providers to ensure they are receiving the vaccines needed to stay healthy and protect family and friends from disease.

Please see and use the one-pagers below in the languages listed: