A symposium on vaccination of older adults and on vaccine hesitancy.
According to the Federation of European Academies of Medicine (FEAM) vaccines belong to the best life-saving interventions by preventing spread of infectious diseases. In a recent report, FEAM describes the importance and efficacy of vaccination programs for adults, with a focus on older adults. But how do we ensure implementation and avoid vaccine hesitancy?
According to FEAM, vaccines are able to prevent occurrence of infectious diseases and related morbidity and mortality. The modern mRNA vaccine technology provides great opportunities, since it is rapid, flexible and facilitates a scalable manufacturing process. In addition, these vaccines meet with a relatively good immune response in elderly people.
The FEAM report concludes that adult vaccination programmes in Europe often lack prioritisation and funding. It also states that older adults and healthcare workers fail to recognise potential benefits of vaccination for the older population. Vaccine hesitancy is a crucial societal issue that is also addressed. Acceptance and recognition of vaccine benefits is considered key for healthy ageing.
The main language of this event is English.