December 16, 2021 

Dear ACL grantees,

Older adults and people with disabilities have been disproportionately at-risk and have experienced dire 

consequences from COVID-19, as you all know too well. Throughout the pandemic, ACL’s aging and disability 

networks have been at the forefront of the all-hands-on-deck effort to protect the people we serve from the virus 

itself, while also doing everything possible to continue to provide the services needed for so many to live safely in 

the community. 

Most recently, you have played a critical role in getting people vaccinated, helping address the barriers that too 

many disabled people and older adultsface. Your assistance with vaccine access and education is a key reason

that almost all older adults and most people with disabilities have received at least one dose. You’re also a driving 

force in the effort to get people boosters. 

Boosters are now recommended for everyone 16 and older who is at least six months past their second Pfizer or 

Moderna shot or two months past their J&J shot, and they are particularly important for the people we serve. 

Although an initial COVID-19 vaccination remains effective in preventing severe disease, data suggest

vaccination becomes less effective over time, and many vaccinated adults are experiencing waning immunity. A

booster helps keep protection up. 

This is even more important as we enter the winter months, when we spend more time indoors and many gather 

with loved ones for the holidays. The discovery of the Omicron variant adds another jolt of urgency. While there 

remains much we do not know about the new variant, studies are showing that increasing immunity, including 

through vaccinations and boosters, increase protection against any COVID-19 variant. Getting a booster now is 

especially important for people with increased risks from COVID-19, including older adults, people with 

disabilities and chronic health conditions, and people living in congregate settings. 

The good news is that research is showing that people are receptive to getting boosters. But some do not know 

they are eligible, or do not understand the urgency. As trusted members of your communities – and trusted 

messengers – you have a tremendous ability to help people understand the importance of taking action now to 

protect themselves.

Throughout the country, the aging and disability networks have been developing innovative models and strategies 

to help educate older adults and people with disabilities about, and facilitate access to, vaccinations. Answering

questions about the vaccine, ensuring the accessibility of vaccination sites, setting up vaccine clinics, and offering 

at-home vaccinations or free rides to vaccine sites are just a few of the ways you have been making a difference. 

The networks have also forged new partnerships in their vaccine efforts, both with each other and with other local 

and state public health officials. Notably, many successful efforts have focused on people with disabilities and

older adults in marginalized communities, including communities of color and rural and tribal communities. Over 

the last several weeks, I have heard from so many of you about how you are building on these innovations and 

strategies for boosters.
Advancing Independence, Integration and Inclusion, throughout life

The impact of the work you are doing is recognized at the highest levels. There is rarely a week that goes by 

where ACL is not brought to the planning table by the White House and other divisions within HHS because they 

recognize the power of our networks and the importance of what you do. And, of course, the COVID-19 

supplemental funding we have received from Congress is a testament to your impact. 

I want to make sure all grantees are aware of the funding ACL has distributed that can be used to support your 

work to accelerate vaccinations and boosters. The COVID-19 supplements, most recently through the American 

Rescue Plan, can be used for, among other things, vaccine and booster-related activities. And, of course, the $100 

million from CDC distributed earlier this year isspecifically for vaccine-related activities, including boosters. As

we recently announced, we will soon be distributing $150 million in public health workforce funding that also can

be used for vaccine and booster activities. ACL stands ready to offer guidance and technical assistance to support 

you in your vaccination efforts, and to help you take advantage of the flexibilities available to meet your 

community’s needs. Please contact your program officer or regional administrator with any questions. 

We also are building a webpage to help our networks share ideas, strategies and solutions. On that page, you’ll 

find this flyer – which you can co-brand – to help get the word out about the importance and urgency of boosters. 

(We also have versions that are ready to go without customization for both print and digital use). We’ve started

adding promising models, case studies, and resources about vaccinations and boosters, and we will post more over 

the coming days. We also will post the recording of Tuesday’s webinar with U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy 

on the latest COVID-19 updates. We’d like to keep adding to this page, so please send us information about your 

booster efforts, new resources, or anything else that could help colleagues across the network. I also hope you will 

continue to check acl.gov/COVID-19 for the latest information and resources and, if you haven't already, please 

sign up for ACL Updates. 

I want to end by expressing my gratitude and appreciation for everything the aging and disability networks across 

the country have done and are continuing to do. It has been heartbreaking for all of us to see the impact the 

pandemic has had on people with disabilities, older adults, their families, and the direct care workforce. You all

have faced incredible challenges and encountered problems that at times had no obvious solutions. Yet regardless 

of the obstacles you faced – including dealing with the impacts of COVID in your own personal lives – you have 

forged on with perseverance, creativity and resolve. 

Thank you for answering the call to help protect our communities as we enter the winter. Your work is literally 

saving lives. As always, we appreciate your partnership and stand ready to support you. 

Sincerely,

Alison Barkoff

Principal Deputy Administrator