Protecting Older Adults From Severe COVID-19

Older adults remain at the highest risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes, and vaccination continues to be the most critical defense, according to Juanita Mora, MD, an allergist and immunologist in Chicago who serves largely Latino and African American communities.

“We know it affects the 65 and older population, and it hits them hard,” Mora said. Adults aged 65 years and older account for the majority of severe COVID-19 outcomes, representing about 70% of hospitalizations and 90% of deaths in the United States.

Beyond vaccination, Mora advises additional precautions for vulnerable groups. “Number one thing that I tell these 65 years and older population—mask,” she said. She added that long COVID is a major concern: “One in two of them who wind up being hospitalized end up having long symptoms, which might be wheezing, asthma, COPD, neurological, or even cardiac effects.”

Mora has been active in outreach and advocacy, speaking in English and Spanish to address misinformation. “I actually vaccinate my dad with the COVID-19 vaccine [on social media]. If I trusted in my own family, it gives them that message as well,” she said.

This fall, she is partnering with Walgreens and the American Lung Association to host a free vaccine clinic in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood. “People without insurance or immigrants can go ahead and get the vaccines for free,” Mora said.

“As the holidays are approaching, we need to make sure the whole family is vaccinated against COVID-19, flu, and RSV,” she concluded. “We want to keep our grandparents safe.”