NAPCA urges all individuals to get vaccinated against influenza and COVID

(SAN FRANCISCO) In an effort to save more lives from the upcoming influenza season and COVID, National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA) has hosted a series of vaccination events across the country to educate the Asian community on the significance of getting vaccinated.

On December 6, NAPCA held a joint vaccination outreach event with Self-Help for the Elderly at the Lady Shaw Senior Center San Francisco Chinatown. Representatives from local and federal public health agencies also joined the event to show their support.

Founded in 1979, NAPCA is a national non-profit organization serving the Asian community focusing on aging issues with offices in Seattle and Los Angeles. NAPCA provides a 5-language helpline where counselors serve the Asian community members with live support in both metro areas. Those five languages include English, Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese, and Korean.

The influenza season typically runs from September to December. Individuals of all ages are encouraged to get vaccinated against the influenza virus this year. The flu shot remains one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of the flu, reduce the severity of symptoms, and ultimately save lives.

New COVID-19 vaccines were approved and available in September.

With the ongoing concerns surrounding public health and the importance of influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations, NAPCA wants to ensure everyone has access to the latest vaccines to protect themselves and their communities.

NAPCA has begun to host vaccination outreach events since September around the country working with local Asian organizations to provide both the influenza and COVID vaccines.

Clayton Fong, President and CEO of NAPCA, travelled to San Francisco, joining the event at the Lady Shaw Senior Center.

“Getting vaccinated every year is the best way to prevent serious illness from flu and COVID-19. The people most at risk for getting very sick from these diseases are over age 65 or have health conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart and lung disease," said Fong.

"If you are 65-74, the risk of hospitalization is 36 times higher. The older you are, the higher your risk is. So, if you are over age 65 or have underlying condition(s), it is especially important to get the most updated vaccine,” Fong said.

"Like the Flu shot, you should get the latest COVID-19 vaccine at least once per year. You can get both vaccines at the same time," suggested by NAPCA and Fong.

Chung thanked NAPCA for the services and resources to the Asian community in San Francisco and members of the Self-Help for the Elderly.