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Located in all 50 states, centers will reach a diverse, underserved population

Arlington, VA (Sept 7, 2023) — The National Council on Aging (NCOA), the national voice for every person’s right to age well, is contracting with up to 150 senior centers to administer updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines this fall, as part of its Vaccine Uptake Initiative, funded by the U.S. Administration for Community Living.

“New strains of COVID and flu are already circulating, and we know that older adults continue to be at higher risk of getting ill from these viruses,” said Ramsey Alwin, NCOA president and CEO. “Senior centers are trusted messengers in their communities, and they have what it takes to make sure older adults stay protected this respiratory season.”

Participating senior centers will receive $10,000 each, and they will be required to administer a minimum of 100 COVID-19 and/or flu shots to older adults and people with disabilities. The centers will target diverse and hard-to-reach populations, including communities of color, rural individuals, and Spanish speakers.

“Senior centers are nimble, and they know how to reach the older adults in their communities—including those who may be hesitant about vaccinations,” said Dianne Stone, Associate Director of Network Development and Engagement. “This investment will enable them to support older adults with vaccine appointments and host vaccination clinics.”

The 150 senior centers will join the 180 community-based organizations that NCOA selected earlier this year as grantees for the Vaccine Uptake Initiative. The 180 grantees will administer a total of 317,000 COVID-19 and flu vaccines.

This COVID-19 and Influenza Vaccine Uptake Initiative for Older Adults and People with Disabilities Notice of Funding Opportunity (HHS-2023-ACL-AOA-HDRC-0043) is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $50 million with 100% funding by ACL/HHS. The content is that of the author(s) and does not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. government.

About NCOA
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is the national voice for every person’s right to age well. We believe that how we age should not be determined by gender, color, sexuality, income, or ZIP code. Working with thousands of national and local partners, we provide resources, tools, best practices, and advocacy to ensure every person can age with health and financial security. Founded in 1950, we are the oldest national organization focused on older adults. Learn more at www.ncoa.org and @NCOAging.