The Implications of Vaccines in Older Populations

Abstract

Mean longevity is increasing worldwide, with major consequences for public health worldwide, as the global population of adults aged over 65 years now exceeds the number of children under 5 for the first time in history. The ageing process over the life course is extremely heterogeneous, and it will be important to promote and enhance healthy ageing worldwide. Vaccination is a key player in the healthy ageing process, both at the individual and the community level. We review here the contribution of vaccines to individual and community health. At an individual level, we highlight the prevention of infectious diseases, as well as other, less well-known benefits of vaccination, such as modulation of the inflammatory process. We then underline the importance of vaccination in achieving herd immunity and reducing the transmission of pathogens in the community. Finally, at a community level, another important benefit of vaccination is the reduction in antimicrobial resistance. Taken together, these effects contribute to ensuring the best health, for the greatest number, for the longest time possible.