With the holiday gathering season upon us, Hennepin County is launching a new campaign to encourage older adults to “get your health boost” with this year’s updated flu and COVID vaccines.  

The campaign emphasizes that by getting the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, older adults can renew their body’s defenses and lower their risk of getting sick. “Because everyone’s health needs a little help sometimes. Get your health boost and protect yourself against the flu and COVID.” 

Both the flu (influenza) and COVID-19 are serious threats to the health of older adults. National data shows that people aged 65 and older have the highest rates of hospitalization and death for both flu and COVID.  

Current Hennepin County data shows that less than 50% of county residents aged 65 and older are up to date on COVID vaccines. Additionally, within this age group there are significant disparities by race, with American Indian, Black and Hispanic seniors at lower rates of up-to-date COVID vaccination. The campaign seeks to address these disparities by featuring local seniors from several cultural communities, in ads across a variety of culturally specific publications and channels.  

County-level data does not exist for the flu vaccination rates, but CDC data shows that nationwide less than 13% of Medicare beneficiaries, 65 years and older, had gotten their flu shot by October. According to the CDC, people 65 years and older are at higher risk of developing serious flu complications. In recent years, an estimated 70-85% of seasonal flu-related deaths occurred in people 65 years and older. 

“While over 95% of older adults in Hennepin County were eager to get the original COVID vaccine, we have not seen similar interest in the updated vaccines,” says Susan Palchick, Hennepin County Public Health director. “This concerns us because immunity decreases over time, while the viruses continue to change. That’s why it’s important for everyone, especially older adults, to get the updated flu shot and COVID vaccine this season.” 

The flu and COVID vaccines have been shown to significantly reduce severe illness, hospitalization, and death. The vaccines are safe, effective, widely available. Both the flu shot and the updated COVID vaccines are recommended for all people 6 months of age and older. Both vaccines are covered by Medicare, and most insurance plans. 

Find vaccines near you by visiting: Vaccines.gov 

15 sec ad: https://vimeo.com/892649878/d91aa6534f?share=copy 

30 sec ad: https://vimeo.com/892649916/adf69eb631?share=copy