Proposal Presented for the Master Plan for Aging (#2)
Disclaimer
Throughout the MPA process, more than 100 proposals were developed thanks in particular to thousands of hours of work by external stakeholders and members of the public. These proposals and the MPA Council commentary are being submitted to the Governor and shared with policymakers and the public to inform policymaking. These proposals represent a starting point for discussion. Further discussion is necessary between relevant state agencies and stakeholders to both refine these proposals and assess which may be appropriate to adopt and implement.
Summary
Support increasing vaccination rates. The proposal includes a combination of partnerships and studying the most effective ways to encourage vaccination.
Justification
Vaccination is an effective and cost-effective modality of prevention and public health which has a major effect on mortality reduction and population growth. However, vaccination rates among older adults, specifically those in underserved and historically marginalized communities, are low. With a focus on health equity and through partnerships with local health departments, senior centers, pharmacies, and other entities, a Community Immunization Program and a study to learn more about vaccination rates in New York could improve prevention efforts.
Full Proposal
Pursue a series of initiatives to improve vaccination rates:
- Engage an external consultant to gain insight into the reasons for the decline in vaccination rates.
- Partner with local health departments to implement the lessons from the external consultant study for their vaccination programs.
- Develop public-private partnerships between local health departments that have an existing immunization program with healthcare service providers to roll out vaccination drives to improve distribution in communities where transportation to a doctor’s office/pharmacy for vaccinations may not be accessible. (i.e.: The successful coordination between NYSOFA and local health departments to facilitate in-home access to vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic).
- Partner with pharmacies and senior centers to extend the reach of vaccination drives.
This proposal is focused on primary prevention.
MPA Council Commentary
This proposal is categorized as long-term. Vaccination efforts in coordination with local health departments are ongoing. Engaging a consultant to study declining vaccination rates would likely require a funding allocation, which would be subject to the annual budget process and the availability of resources. Vaccination remains a priority of the State and is a central component of DOH’s Prevention Agenda.