Coronavirus: Why isn’t every older adult vaccinated?

Eighty percent of people in the US who have died of COVID-19 have been over 65, so the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) rightly prioritized vaccinations for people over 65. In turn, states have done a pretty good job of ensuring that older adults living in long-term care facilities are vaccinated. But, many older adults living in the community are still waiting to get vaccinated; why isn’t every older adult vaccinated?

It is unconscionable that in 2021 the US has such a weak public health infrastructure that it has not yet vaccinated millions of older adults. And, our fragmented private health insurance system has been of little if any help. lnstead, in many parts of the country, states have left it to charities and other organizations to ensure people are vaccinated.

Without assistance, older adults will not be vaccinated. A lot of older adults are not able to schedule a vaccine appointment on their own; they might not even know that vaccines are available for them. Many older adults do not have computers. Others have no ability to travel to get the vaccine.

For the most part, the US put the burden on individuals, including frail and vulnerable older adults, to make their own vaccine appointments. Why is the US so backwards? Why don’t we have mobile vaccine clinics? Why aren’t hospitals calling the oldest and most medically compromised members of their communities and scheduling appointments for them? Israel and other developed countries actively reach out to residents and schedule appointments for them.

The amount of time all of us are wasting trying to schedule a vaccine appointment could be put to far better use. And, the amount of effort it takes is keeping people  from getting vaccine appointments. As a general rule, vaccine sites are not vaccinating people who have not scheduled an appointment.

Consequently, people living alone who are least able to fend for themselves are also the least likely to have gotten vaccinated. It’s the healthier older adults who have been vaccinated. In order to enhance your chances of booking a vaccine appointment, you need to be aware of the multiple web sites that offer information on vaccine availability.

The Biden administration is now partnering with health insurers to ensure older adults are all vaccinated. The priority is reaching underserved communities. Time will tell how well that will work.

Here’s more from Just Care:

• Coronavirus: Senator Casey proposes legislation to protect nursing home residents and workers
• Coronavirus: Planning ahead for a medical emergency
• Coronavirus: Medicare covers hospital care at home
• To save money on drugs, avoid chain pharmacies
• Are hospitals posting their prices, as required?