Vaccination Needs in Older Populations

Older adults are especially susceptible to vaccine-preventable illnesses and vaccine recommendations have been updated to reflect recent advances that impact older people. Clinicians who care for, or interact with, older adults can be advocates for vaccination and should be familiar with the most recent changes to vaccine schedules. Additionally, it’s important that clinicians understand the impact of COVID-19 on vaccinations among older vulnerable patients, and how to reduce their risk for not just COVID-19 but also vaccine-preventable illnesses.

Learning Objectives
1. Recall the epidemiology and costs associated with treatment of vaccine-preventable illness in older adults
2. Discuss the biological impact of aging on immunity
3. Identify the current immunization recommendations for influenza and pneumococcal vaccination for adults 65 years or older
4. Evaluate the health care provider’s role in improving vaccination rates in the older adult population