Prime Times Briefs: Older adults able to receive additional COVID-19 vaccine
On Feb. 28, Centers for Disease Control Director Mandy Cohen endorsed the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendation for adults ages 65 years and older to receive an additional updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine dose.
“Today’s recommendation allows older adults to receive an additional dose of this season’s COVID-19 vaccine to provide added protection,” Cohen said. “Most COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations last year were among people 65 years and older. An additional vaccine dose can provide added protection that may have decreased over time for those at highest risk.”
Previous CDC recommendations ensured that people who are immunocompromised are already eligible for additional doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Data continues to show the importance of vaccination to protect those most at risk for severe outcomes of COVID-19. An additional dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine may restore protection that has waned since a fall vaccine dose, providing increased protection to adults ages 65 years and older.
Adults 65 years and older are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, with more than half of COVID-19 hospitalizations during October 2023 to December 2023 occurring in this age group.
CDC and ACIP will continue to monitor COVID-19 vaccine safety and effectiveness. CDC continues to recommend that everyone stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccines, especially people with weakened immune systems.
A Matter of Balance
The Wood County Committee on Aging will present “A Matter of Balance,” Tuesdays, April 9 to May 28 from 1-3 p.m. at the Wood County Senior Center, 140 S. Grove St., Bowling Green.
The cost for the program is $20.
During the eight-week course, participants will learn to:
• View falls as controllable.
• Set goals for increasing activity.
• Make changes to reduce fall risk at home.
• Exercise to increase strength and balance.
Participants will receive a manual for training purposes and a certificate upon completion of the course.
For more information, contact the WCCOA Programs Department at 419-353-5661 or 1-800-367-4935 or email programs@wccoa.net.
Spring Fashion Show, Dessert for Dinner
The Wood County Committee on Aging, Inc. (WCCOA), in collaboration with The Fringe Thrift Store, will host a Spring Fashion Show and Dessert for Dinner fundraiser Friday, March 29 from 3-5 p.m. at the Wood County Senior Center, 140 S. Grove St.
Local community members will model outfits coordinated by The Fringe Thrift Store, a not-for-profit thrift closet located in Bowling Green.
Attendees are invited to wear a fashionable hat or Easter bonnet, decorated to the nines. A “Fringe” gift card prize will be awarded to the hat with the most votes for being the most creative hat.
They can also enjoy dessert for dinner by purchasing a $10 wristband. More than eight community businesses will have tables with featured desserts to sample. Attendees will have the chance to select their favorite dessert and a cumulative vote will determine the top dessert in 2024.
All proceeds raised from the event will support WCCOA’s March for Meals Campaign.
To register and to purchase a Dessert for Dinner wristband, call 419-353-5661 or email programs@wccoa.net.
March for Meals is an annual campaign to raise awareness about home-delivered meal programs (HDMs). WCCOA’s home-delivered meal program serves more than 565 older adults with a nutritious meal Monday through Friday. Volunteers and paid drivers assist with the delivery of the meals throughout Wood County.
Volunteer opportunity
The National Museum of the Great Lakes is seeking volunteers to help preserve and share the rich history of the Great Lakes.
A variety of opportunities are available, including museum guides, groundskeepers, administrative support, event assistance and more. Flexible schedules are available to fit any level of commitment.
Learn about volunteer opportunities at the museum’s next monthly Volunteers 1st Day, April 1 at noon, request the Crew Connections Newsletter by emailing volunteer@nmgl.org with the subject “Subscribe me to Crew Connections,” or visit nmgl.org/volunteer/.
The National Museum of the Great Lakes is located at 1701 Front St., Toledo. Call 419-214-5000 or visit nmgl.org for more details.
‘Know Us Before You Need Us’
Heartland Hospice, St. John’s United Church of Christ Genoa and Gerber Plans, LLC will present a program titled, “Get to Know Us Before You Need Us,” on Sunday, April 21 from noon-2 p.m. at St. John’s United Church of Christ, 1213 Washington St., Genoa.
Kathy Withrow, of Heartland Hospice, and Patricia Gerber, of Gerber Plans LLC, will lead the discussion on “Hospice 101” – Myths vs. Facts, Levels of Care, Services Provided and Medicare-Covered Benefits.
Bring one canned good for the local food pantry and enjoy lunch courtesy of St. John’s
RSVP by April 16 by calling 419-855-3906 or email office@stjohnsgenoa.org. Seating is limited to 120.
Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol
The Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol (RSVP) is a free service for senior citizens who live in Toledo.
It strives to assist in keeping a watchful eye on those citizens that, through age, family situation or health reasons, need attention. It is a joint effort of the Toledo Police Department and the Area Office on Aging. Volunteers are given a background check and go through trainings to participate. The volunteers go to homes to check on the safety and well-being of clients; assist with referrals, if needed and provide companionship.
To learn more or schedule a visit, call the TPD RSVP Office at 419-936-3270.
Health fair planned
The East Toledo Senior Center will hold a Health Fair Monday, April 15 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. The center is located at 1001 White St., Toledo.
Organizations scheduled to attend include Neighborhood Health, Mercy Health, Lucas County Health Department, Majestic Care, First Health, Landings of Oregon, Gardens of St. Francis, Area Office on Aging, First Health, Great Lakes Research, Toledo Police RSVP Program and more.
The event is open to the community. For more information, call Patty at 419-691-2254.
Tax prep vouchers for eligible seniors
For the second year in a row, Ottawa County Senior Resources and the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners are teaming up with local tax preparers to offer tax prep vouchers to qualified county senior citizens age 60 and older.
The tax prep voucher program is first-come, first-serve with a limited number of vouchers available. Vouchers will cover up to $100 per return and are limited to one voucher per registered taxpayer senior citizen. Any additional preparation cost is the responsibility of the individual taxpayer.
Eligibility for 2023 tax prep vouchers includes:
• Reported income status.
• Proof of residence in Ottawa County.
• Willingness to use selected tax preparers, including:
Genoa Accounting- 505 Main Street Genoa, 419-855-3215
H&R Block- 149 Buckeye Blvd, Port Clinton, 419-734-4601
Liberty Tax- 313 Harrison St, Port Clinton, 419-732-1776
For more information about tax prep vouchers and/or to review individual qualifications, contact Ottawa County Senior Resources at 419-898-6459 or OCSR.Resources@gmail.com.
AARP Driver Safety Program
The AARP Driver Safety Program will be offered Thursday, May 16 from 12:30-5 p.m. at the Wood County Senior Center, 140 S. Grove St., Bowling Green.
The course, the nation’s first refresher course specifically designed for drivers age 50 and older, will help participants:
• Refresh driving skill and knowledge of the rules — and hazards — of the road.
• Reduce their chance of receiving a traffic violation or getting into an accident.
The fee is $20 for AARP members and $25 for nonmembers. Members should have their membership numbers available.
Registration is required by calling 419.353.5661 or email programs@wccoa.net.