AARP sends letter to Governor Ivey urging comprehensive plan for vaccine boosters

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 1, 2021
CONTACT: Jamie Harding, AARP Alabama Communications Director
205-470-1265, JHarding@aarp.org, @jhardingAL

AARP Alabama Calls on Governor Ivey to Prepare Plan for COVID-19 “Booster” Vaccines

Protecting Alabama’s Most Vulnerable Must Be Top Priority in Coming Weeks

MONTGOMERY, Ala.  – AARP Alabama sent a letter to Governor Kay Ivey today, urging her to create a plan to provide clear information and access to COVID-19 vaccine “booster” shots, which are now being recommended for the immune-compromised and anyone who is 8 months away from their second shot of either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines. Difficulties in accessing vaccine appointments in the early months of the vaccine roll-out are still fresh on the minds of many Alabamians, particularly for those who lack internet access.

“AARP heard from hundreds of older Alabamians who could not access or navigate the online system, called into poorly-staffed hotlines, and were left confused and frustrated,” Candi Williams, AARP Alabama State Director, stated in the letter. “We recommend developing a public education campaign that provides clear and simple information about how to obtain a booster vaccine without requiring internet access.”

Residents of nursing homes and other congregate facilities were among the first to receive vaccine access last winter, and AARP Alabama is calling for a specific plan that will address delivery of booster shots to this very vulnerable population, as well as the homebound and their caregivers. Williams encouraged Governor Ivey to inquire about federal funding from FEMA and the American Rescue Plan Act to facilitate vaccination of the homebound.

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About AARP
AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org, www.aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspanol and @AARPadvocates, @AliadosAdelante on social media.
AARP AL - Booster LTR - 090121final.pdf