Pacific Grove, Calif. – May 18, 2023 – Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula (MOWMP) announced today its partnership with the National Council on Aging (NCOA) as part of the COVID-19 and Influenza Vaccine Uptake Initiative. The program is supported with funding from the Administration for Community Living and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The grant will support MOWMP’s work in making it as easy as possible for community members to get their updated vaccinations and protect their health. Along with the Central Coast Visiting Nurses Association, MOWMP will use the funds to reach seniors, disabled adults, veterans, and other underserved populations with trusted information. Additionally, through a partnership with ITN Monterey County, transportation services to vaccine appointments will be offered. MOMWP also will host vaccine clinics at the Meals on Wheels Community Center in Pacific Grove beginning this summer.
Today, nearly 9 out of 10 deaths from COVID-19 are among people 65 and over, and 70-85% of seasonal flu-related deaths occur in older adults, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. While lifesaving vaccines are available, research shows COVID-19 vaccine and booster uptake has slowed among older adults. Thanks to this grant, MOWMP will organize a robust program to address this challenge in Monterey County.
“We greatly appreciate NCOA for providing the support necessary to launch this vaccination program locally,” says MOWMP Executive Director, Christine Winge. “It’s all about access to preventative healthcare, and to offer these services not only to at our Community Center, but also to those who are homebound, is a real game changer.”
