Balancing the efficacy and safety of vaccines in the elderly

Abstract

With advances in global health care, ageing populations are expected to grow worldwide throughout the 21 st century. Increased lifespan is a testament to modern medical and social practices, but also presents a growing challenge to a system with limited resources. Elderly populations present specific concerns related to preventative health practices, es-pecially vaccination. Although the power of vaccination is unquestionable in controlling infectious disease, immunosenescence can lead to reduced immune responses following immunization in the elderly, and increased morbidity and mortality. Further complicating this issue, some vaccines themselves may pose a substantial safety risk in the elderly when compared to younger counterparts. Though any health care intervention must balance risk and reward, safety and immunogenicity are often poorly characterized in older populations. This review explores several domestic and travel vaccines, examining what is known concerning efficacy and safety in the elderly, and considers future alternatives. © Ian J. Amanna.