Focusing on the implementation of 21st century vaccines for adults

Abstract

Adult immunization is a priority for public health, particularly in countries where an aging population has become increasingly more numerous. Protection against diseases which typically affect adults (like flu, pneumococcal diseases and Herpes zoster), the shift of age of infections which originally affected children (like measles), the decreasing protection with time for infections which need periodical booster doses of vaccines (Tdap), the availability of vaccines which can also impact on adult health (HPV) are only some examples of the importance of implementing targeted vaccination strategies. The possibility to reach high coverage with immunizations that can guarantee a fundamental improvement of health for adults and the elderly can only be achieved through a coordinated effort where all stakeholders, under the coordination of public health, contribute to issue recommendations; create a functioning database for vaccine coverage registration; promote formative courses for healthcare workers and continuous information for the public; increase vaccines uptake among healthcare workers, who need to give the first testimony on the relevance of immunization.

A global agenda for older adult immunization in the COVID-19 era: A roadmap for action

“…Vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) cause significant health, economic, and social impact in older adults, yet vaccines are underutilized in this population around the world [1][2][3]. At the same time, the world's population is aging at an unprecedented rate.…”

Precision Medicine and Vaccination of Older Adults: From Reactive to Proactive (A Mini-Review)

“…This is further complicated by the fact that adult immunization programs are usually not universal, but instead based on broad risk groups identified by age, pre-existing comorbidity, immune deficiency, pregnancy, etc. [43].…”

“…While recommendations for managing cardiovascular patients previously recognised the link between respiratory infection and acute myocardial infarction, and recommended vaccination, this has not always been accorded priority [48]. While there is a role for all health care providers that work with older adults to be prepared to discuss vaccination as part of their health maintenance activities, the needed training and support is not readily available [43]. However, more recent recommendations have started to take an integrated approach, emphasizing influenza and zoster vaccination as an important component of ongoing patient care for cardiovascular disease [49].…”

Utility of Healthcare System-Based Interventions in Improving the Uptake of Influenza Vaccination in Healthcare Workers at Long-Term Care Facilities: A Systematic Review

“…Internationally, all available vaccines for the control of seasonal influenza are safe and effective, and their appropriated use to confer the highest protection to each individual [10][11][12]. Moreover, influenza immunization is a priority in countries where an aging population is on the rise [13][14][15][16][17][18], even though the effectiveness of influenza vaccination of HCWs in preventing influenza in the elderly is not conclusive [19].…”