Healthy Aging and the Importance of Vaccine Education and Access

Kathleen Cameron, BS Pharm, MPH • October 5, 2020

At the National Council on Aging (NCOA), we believe EVERYONE deserves to age well. To this end, we focus on programs and services that lead to healthy aging of the mind, body and spirit. Healthy aging includes adopting healthy habits and behaviors, using preventive services, managing health conditions, understanding medications, staying connected with family and friends and being involved in one’s community. These healthy aging activities can contribute to not only a longer life, but also one that has meaning and purpose. 


Over the past several months as we’ve all been navigating uncertainty, isolation, grief, and unsettling news about the economy and social unrest, engaging in healthy behaviors has certainly been a challenge. However, activities that were necessary for staying healthy before the pandemic are even more critical now, especially as we move into the winter months. For example, the better you control your ongoing conditions, like high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes, the better you’ll be able to fight the virus if you contract it. Important healthy habits and behaviors include engaging in regular physical activity that you enjoy and eating nutritious foods to maintain a healthy weight. Getting a good night’s sleep, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol use, connecting with family and friends, and communicating with health care providers through telemedicine and in-person when it’s safe are other important healthy habits.


Vaccines have always been a vital part of healthy aging as a preventive measure for diseases like flu, pneumonia.  Vaccines are especially critical for older adults because as we get older, our immune systems weaken, and it can be more difficult to fight off infections. In fact, adults 65 years and older account for most of the hospitalizations from flu, and hospitalization is something we all want to avoid during the pandemic. Getting a flu vaccine during 2020-2021 is more essential than ever because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.


When a vaccine becomes available for COVID-19, older adults will need to be the first in line to receive it. Because of the disproportionate impact of COVID on older adults and people with chronic conditions, especially those from communities of color and marginalized communities. It is anticipated that these populations will be given priority to receive the vaccine. However, given the amount of mixed information about the vaccines currently in clinical trials, many people are concerned, and downright skeptical about the safety and effectiveness of the future COVID-19 vaccines. Take steps to be as informed as possible about the COVID vaccines. Learn from trusted sources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Immunization Action Coalition. At NCOA, we will also keep older adults informed with the latest information.


Another source for up-to-date and reliable information about vaccines is your pharmacists. Pharmacist plays a significant role in educating their patients about many aspects of their health, not just prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Conveniently located in almost all communities across the nation, Pharmacist are one of the most respected and trusted health professionals. As a pharmacist, I encourage you to reach out to your own pharmacist for answers to COVID vaccine-related questions you may have now and when the vaccine or vaccines become available.



For many years, pharmacists have been providing the flu, pneumonia, herpes zoster and shingles shots, and earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services authorized pharmacists to order and administer FDA approved COVID-19 vaccines. So, the good news is that older adults will have a convenient and safe location in which to obtain the COVID-19 vaccine when it is available and can continue on their journey towards healthy aging.



Kathleen Cameron, BS Pharm, MPH

Senior Director, Center for Healthy Aging

National Council on Aging


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Regaining Our Groove After Being Cooped Up (Part 1)

By Bernice Lowe Flowers • May 2, 2022
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