Empowering New England's Older Adults This Winter
A new initiative educates seniors about essential vaccines
The American Lung Association is taking a significant step to help families in New England face the challenges of respiratory diseases this winter. The organization has introduced a comprehensive educational campaign aimed at encouraging older adults to prioritize their health by getting vaccinated against flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
With an increasing number of adults aged 65 and over in New England, it is crucial to address the heightened risk of respiratory diseases among this demographic. Many seniors in the region are facing serious complications due to these common yet dangerous respiratory illnesses.
Dr. David Hill, the chair of the American Lung Association Board, emphasizes that while older adults are more vulnerable to respiratory illnesses, vaccination can substantially mitigate these risks. “We have effective vaccines that can greatly reduce the chance of severe disease. Our hope is to keep residents healthy and enable them to celebrate the winter season with their loved ones,” he stated. Unfortunately, many face confusion and hesitance about vaccines stemming from misinformation, making the need for this campaign more pressing.
Respiratory illnesses have a profound impact on public health, particularly during the winter months:
- Flu: The 2024-2025 respiratory season witnessed approximately 47 to 82 million flu cases, leading to around 1.3 million hospitalizations and close to 130,000 fatalities, as reported by the CDC.
- COVID-19: Up to 4.6 million outpatient visits and about 520,000 hospitalizations occurred between October 2024 and September 2025 due to this virus.
- RSV: Annually, around 180,000 older adults in the U.S. are hospitalized because of RSV, resulting in roughly 10,000 deaths.
While many of the population may only experience mild symptoms, the elderly, as well as those with underlying health conditions, face a considerably higher risk of severe illness. Vaccination is an important tool to combat these potential complications.
To keep families safe and connected throughout the winter, vaccinations have been recommended for these key illnesses:
- Flu: The CDC recommends that everyone aged six months and older should get vaccinated each year, ideally during September or October, but vaccinations can be administered at any point during the season.
- COVID-19: Vaccinations are recommended for all individuals six months and older, with discussions between patients and healthcare providers to assess individual needs.
- RSV: Adults aged 50-74 who are at high risk and all adults aged 75 and older should receive a single dose of the RSV vaccine, if they have not yet been vaccinated.
Most health insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, and VA health coverage, generally cover these vaccinations without additional costs when administered by in-network healthcare providers. Individuals are encouraged to verify coverage details with their insurance providers, and vaccines can typically be accessed through healthcare offices, local pharmacies, and public health departments.
This new campaign aims to equip older adults with factual information and encourage them to have informed discussions with their healthcare providers regarding the vaccinations they may need. Through partnerships with health departments and a multi-platform advertising approach that includes outreach via pharmacy bags, billboards, radio, and social media, the American Lung Association strives to maximize its outreach.
For further details about vaccines that defend against infectious respiratory illnesses, the American Lung Association provides resources through their website.
Support for this campaign comes from GSK, reinforcing the importance of public health initiatives.
About the American Lung Association
The American Lung Association remains dedicated to saving lives by improving lung health and fighting lung disease through robust advocacy, education, and research efforts. Their core mission includes crucial focuses such as defeating lung cancer, championing clean air for all, enhancing the quality of life for those affected by lung diseases, and building a future free of tobacco. For more information and resources, individuals can reach out through the national helpline.
American Lung Association • 55 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 1150 • Chicago, IL 60601
1331 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Ste. 1425 North • Washington, D.C. 20004
Contact: 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the goal of the American Lung Association's campaign?
The campaign aims to educate older adults in New England about the importance of vaccination against flu, COVID-19, and RSV to improve their health and wellbeing.
Who is particularly at risk for respiratory illnesses this winter?
Older adults and individuals with chronic medical conditions face a higher risk of severe complications from respiratory illnesses.
What vaccines are recommended by the CDC?
The CDC recommends annual flu vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines for individuals aged six months and older, and RSV vaccines for at-risk adults aged 50 and above.
Are vaccinations covered by health insurance?
Yes, most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, generally cover these vaccines without cost-sharing when given by in-network providers.
How can individuals find more information about vaccines?
Individuals can access detailed information on vaccines related to respiratory illnesses through the American Lung Association's website and engage in discussions with their healthcare providers.
