Promote Vaccine Awareness and Change the Course of History

By CEO James Appleby, BSPharm, MPH

Happy New Year! If one of your resolutions is to make a positive difference in people’s lives, the first new resource we’ve added to the GSA website in 2021 is an essential tool: COVID-19 vaccine information for older adults.

We recognize that our members are working with older adults and may get questions from family, friends, and colleagues about the COVID-19 vaccine. This fact sheet gives answers to common questions so that GSA members can share accurate information.

We provide details on and links to information about the development, safety, and efficacy of the vaccine, how distribution of the vaccine is being coordinated and who will receive it first, a background on Operation: Warp Speed, and approaches to discussing the topic with people who may be vaccine hesitant.

Even though many of us are not direct health care providers, we have it within our power to increase confidence for all adults to get the vaccine. The more they hear accurate information from people they trust, the more likely they are to get it and contribute to an end to the pandemic.

As amazing an achievement as developing a COVID-19 vaccine in less than a year is, it’s only effective if it’s widely adopted. We all can contribute to improving public understanding of the vaccine and supporting those who administer it.

No matter where you are, you can lead from where you stand, and be a vaccine champion. If you have any questions, you can reach out to GSA and its COVID-19 Task Force at covid19@geron.org. And best wishes to you for a happy and healthy 2021.