Immunisation of older people

Abstract

Older people are more prone to infections than younger people and prevention via effective vaccines is an important approach to reduce the burden of infections in this age group, especially as microorganisms are often resistant to antibiotics. While there is an emphasis on childhood vaccination, adult vaccination is also important as part of a whole-of-life approach. Influenza, pneumococcal, herpes zoster and tetanus vaccines are effective in older people as are other vaccines for those at high risk. Pertussis vaccination is recommended in older people to reduce the spread of infection to children. The Australian and New Zealand Society for Geriatric Medicine has revised their position statement on vaccination of older people. These recommendations, along with the evidence to support these, are presented in this review.