AAA7 recognized for excellence in making vaccines available to older adults, individuals with disabilities

The Area Agency on Aging District 7 and USAging in Washington, D.C. have been awarded the 2024 Immunization Neighborhood Champion Award by the National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit for their work through the Aging and Disability Vaccination Collaborative (ADVC).

The NAIIS Immunization Excellence Awards recognize the extraordinary contributions of individuals and organizations towards improved vaccination rates within their communities during the past year.

The AAA7 is a founding member of the ADVC, which works with Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), Centers for Independent Living (CILs) and other community-based organizations (CBOs) nationwide with a network of over 1,400 partner organizations to increase the number of older adults and people with disabilities who receive COVID-19 and Influenza (flu) vaccines.

The ADVC is led by USAging, which represents and supports the national network of AAAs and advocates for the Title VI Native American Aging Programs that help older adults and people with disabilities live with optimal health, well-being, independence and dignity in their homes and communities.

Since May 2023, the AAA7 and other ADVC partners have administered more than 378,000 COVID-19 and flu vaccines. Approximately 11 percent were given to people receiving the COVID-19 vaccine for the first time.

Additionally, ADVC partners have administered 112,000 RSV, shingles, pneumococcal and other vaccines. They also provided 441,000 supportive services such as transportation to vaccine clinics, assistance with appointments and information and referral to aging and disability resources.

Recently, the AAA7 received news that its ADVC grant has been extended for an additional year. This gives the AAA7 the opportunity to continue working with partners in its 10 counties hosting community vaccine clinics throughout the rest of 2024 and in to 2025. The Agency is looking forward to providing further opportunities to allow greater access to vaccines.

“The AAA7 is very excited to have received this recognition,” stated Jamie Herrmann, Executive Director of the AAA7. “We are looking forward to continuing our work with vaccine incentives in our communities. Vaccinations are key to the ongoing health of our at-risk populations.”

“It’s an incredible honor for USAging’s ADVC to be recognized with this award by the NAIIS,” said USAging CEO Sandy Markwood. “It’s a testament to the power of this collaborative and the critical role that AAAs, CILs and CBOs play in promoting life-saving vaccinations which are a centerpiece of health and healthy aging for all of us.”

USAging’s ADVC is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through USAging as part of a financial assistance award to USAging totaling $74,999,835 with 100-percent funding by ACL/HHS.

For more information, please call the AAA7 at 1-800-582-7277 or email info@aaa7.org.

Your local Area Agency on Aging District 7, Inc. provides services on a non-discriminatory basis in 10 counties in Southern Ohio including Adams, Brown, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, Scioto and Vinton. These services are available to help older adults and those with disabilities live safely and independently in their residence of choice through services paid for by Medicare, Medicaid, other federal and state resources, as well as private pay.

The AAA7’s Resource Center is also available to anyone in the community looking for information or assistance with long-term care options. Available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., the Resource Center is a valuable contact for learning more about options and what programs and services are available for assistance.

Those interested in learning more can call toll-free at 1-800-582-7277 (TTY: 711). Here, individuals can speak directly with a trained Resource Specialist who will assist them with information surrounding the programs and services that are available to best serve their needs. The Agency also offers an assessment at no cost for those who are interested in learning more. Information is also available on www.aaa7.org, or the Agency can be contacted through e-mail at info@aaa7.org. The Agency also has a Facebook page located at www.facebook.com/AreaAgencyOnAgingDistrict7.

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