Vaccines for the Elderly

Abstract

The elderly population is particularly susceptible to infectious diseases because of the declining immune response with age. The risk is even higher for elders with co-morbidities such as chronic lung diseases, diabetes mellitus, stroke and cancer. Furthermore, an increase in life expectancy in the elderly population results in an increase in adults residing in long stay care homes where cross infection and infectious disease outbreaks occur more frequently. Vaccination is the most effective strategy to prevent infections. Therefore, the elderly is an important target group for vaccination. Vaccination strategies vary among different countries. Nonetheless, most authorities recommend vaccination for the elderly against COVID-19, pneumococcus infection, seasonal influenza and herpes zoster. Some countries also recommend vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. In this chapter, we will review the justifications, efficacy, side effects and contraindications of these vaccines. Many people after retirement like to travel abroad. Vaccines against hepatitis A, encephalitis and meningococcus infection might be necessary and vaccination schedule should be individually modified for elders with cancer and other chronic diseases. Current vaccines are less immunogenic and effective for the elderly when compared with the younger adult population. We will discuss the challenges faced in improving the immune response and enhancing the coverage rate.