As the cold and flu season approaches, LeadingAge has announced a partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to launch the “Risk Less. Do More.” campaign. This national initiative aims to reduce respiratory illnesses from common viruses, with a particular focus on protecting older adults aged 65 and older.
The campaign addresses a critical health concern for seniors, with an direct focus on respiratory illnesses. According to the provided information, up to 80% of flu-related deaths in the United States occur in people over 65. Additionally, tens of thousands of older adults are hospitalized due to RSV infections annually.
The campaign emphasizes the importance of staying up-to-date with vaccinations for influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The initiative provides research-backed messaging and materials developed in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to increase vaccine awareness and uptake.
LeadingAge members are encouraged to utilize the campaign’s resources, including free handouts, social media graphics, and toolkits, to inform and protect their communities from respiratory illnesses. This effort builds on last year’s collaboration, which saw LeadingAge and HHS award more than $270,000 in grant funding for vaccine clinics.
The campaign’s outreach extends beyond older adults, targeting healthcare providers and caregivers who play crucial roles in senior health decisions. By providing easy-to-digest resources, the initiative aims to facilitate informed conversations about respiratory virus prevention.
As the campaign unfolds throughout the fall and early 2025, LeadingAge will support public education efforts to combat these highly contagious respiratory viruses. The organization emphasizes that by working together, communities can significantly reduce the risk of severe illness among vulnerable populations.
