AGS releases statement on immunization in older adults

New York, NY: Today, the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) recommended that older people follow the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations for adult vaccination.

"Staying current with immunization recommendations is particularly important for adults 65 years old and older, because they are at increased risk of severe complications from vaccine-preventable illnesses," said @AmerGeriatrics President Peter Hollmann, MD, AGSF. "The coronavirus pandemic has truly emphasized the importance of vaccines in the prevention of disease " Dr. Hollmann added.

Geriatrics health professionals are pioneers in advanced-illness care for older individuals with a focus on championing interprofessional teams, eliciting personal care goals, and treating older people as whole persons. They are in a unique position to offer immunization-related information tailored to the maintenance and reduction of risks related to each individual's health conditions.AGS believes that staying current with immunization recommendations is particularly important for adults ≥65 years old, because they are at increased risk of severe complications from vaccine-preventable illnesses. For example,influenza results in approximately 40,000 deaths annually in the US, nearly all of which are older adults. Likewise, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on older adults, especially those living in long-term care facilities.

The AGS also recommends that health professionals and the public remain up-to-date with CDC-recommended immunizations (CDC recommendations for all ages can be found here) given the role immunizations play in protecting the health of the public. Children should receive all vaccines they are eligible for to both protect themselves from serious illness and prevent the spread of illness to friends and family members of all ages. AGS believes that vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect all of us as we age and limit the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases.

New vaccines, such as the COVID-19 immunizations, are assessed by a long-standing, rigorous, and transparent process through the US Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, where data is reviewed and evaluated before authorization. Before the FDA approves or provides emergency use authorization (EUA), a vaccine must go through three phases of clinical trials to ensure its safety and efficacy.

The AGS recommends that older adults follow immunization recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in order to reduce their risks from vaccine-preventable illness.  

Diseases with a CDC Vaccine Recommendation for Americans Age 65+

COVID19

Haemophilus influenzae type b

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis B

Herpes Zoster (Shingles)

Influenza

Measles, mumps, rubella

Meningococcal A, C, W, Y

Meningococcal B

Pneumococcal

Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis

Varicella (Chickenpox)

For the full statement on Immunization in Older Adults visit:

www.americangeriatrics.org/where-we-stand/position-statements-other-topics