Infectious disease is a major cause of late life mortality, the result of the age-related decline of immune function. The sizable investment in time and funding that goes into efforts to enhance the efficacy of vaccines in older adults is one example of the costs of attempting to cope with the consequences of aging. Developing new vaccines and better vaccination techniques is an expensive process. Yet coaxing the aged immune system into greater efforts via the use of adjuvants and other more sophisticated vaccine engineering cannot produce the degree of benefit that a much more crude vaccination will produce in a younger adult - one is inherently limited by the aging of the immune system. This is one of many areas in which rejuvenation of youthful function is a far better goal to aim for.
Older persons (65 and above) comprise the world´s fastest-growing age group today. Enabling older individuals to live independently, remain socially engaged, and manage or prevent chronic illnesses contributes to reducing healthcare costs and improving overall quality of life. Infectious diseases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the older population. In 2021, COVID-19 alone was the third most frequent cause of death for people over 65 (10.9% of all deaths) in the EU. This highlights the devastating effect infectious diseases can have on older populations. Co-morbidities, such as chronic heart or lung disease and diabetes, further increase the risk for severe infections.
The overall morbidity of infectious diseases in older adults is frequently underestimated. In addition to the immediate impact of the acute disease, there are several other risks and sequelae associated with infections in this age group. Many older persons do not recover fully after an acute episode of infection. A study in Canada reported 12% mortality in patients aged 65 and older hospitalized for influenza infection, and 20% suffered a decrease in their functional status (9% moderate decrease, 11% catastrophic disability) after recovery.
Therefore, preventing infectious disease is an important measure to ensure healthy aging and preserve the quality of life. Vaccines against influenza and pneumococcal disease have long been available. This review focuses on novel developments regarding vaccines for older adults including strategies to improve and advance existing vaccines and the recent development of vaccines against additional pathogens, such as Respiratory Syncytial virus. There are still many additional pathogens, for which vaccines are highly desirable for older adults. Age-associated changes of the immune system can impair the immunogenicity and protective effect of vaccines and therefore specific strategies to protect this vulnerable population are necessary.
Link: https://doi.org/10.1...15.2025.2517931
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