Vaccination of the elderly: an update

Vaccination of the elderly still requires attention. The vaccination coverage for tetanus, influenza and pneumococcal infections is merely 40, 60 and 30%, respectively. Besides a reduction in mortality (67%) and a reduction of hospitalisation for pneumonia and influenza (50%), vaccination against influenza also results in a decrease in cardio- and cerebrovascular morbidity (20%) as well as in a decrease in the frequency of doctor visits for respiratory infections for COPD patients. Vaccination of children and health care personnel can further reduce transmission of influenza and subsequent influenza related complications in the elderly. Pneumococcal invasive disease can be reduced by 50% through vaccination. Vaccination of children with the conjugate vaccine can further reduce the incidence of pneumococcal invasive disease in the elderly. Further improvements in vaccine coverage levels are needed, mainly among elderly persons, children and persons at increased risk.