title: Coalition of advocates to vaccinate of Western European citizens aged 60 years and older.
abstract: The high burden of infectious diseases in adults aged 60 years and older is disproportionate, considering that many of these diseases are vaccine-preventable. Based on careful analysis of the reasons for vaccination barriers/failures in the European population, the two European geriatric and gerontological societies (the European Union Geriatric Medicine Society [EUGMS] and the International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics - European Region [IAGG-ER]) propose careful adaptation of current vaccine guidelines to promote preventive aspects, concerning both life threatening-diseases (influenza, pneumococcal pneumonia and tetanus/diphtheria) and diseases which adversely impact patients' quality of life (pertussis and herpes zoster). This consensus statement is designed to support official recommendations and improve the willingness to vaccinate the most rapidly growing segment of the population. The following guidelines are based on the importance of the sustainability of vaccine programs from midlife till extreme old age: - Promote healthy aging by optimizing health determinants of daily functions, active participation in society and individual quality of life; - Provide useful information to contribute toward harmonizing vaccine strategies at European level; - Support the public health, social and economic values of vaccination. Both healthcare professionals and consumers associations have a critical role to play in the implementation of such consensus clinical guidelines.
authors: Department of Rehabilitation and Geriatrics, Geneva Medical School and University Hospitals, Chemin Pont Bochet, 3 Thonex-Geneve, CH 1226, Switzerland. Jean-Pierre.Michel@hcuge.ch
authors: Jean-Pierre
authors: JP
authors: Michel
authors: Christian
authors: C
authors: Chidiac
authors: Beatrix
authors: B
authors: Grubeck-Loebenstein
authors: Robert W
authors: RW
authors: Johnson
authors: Paul Henri
authors: PH
authors: Lambert
authors: Stefania
authors: S
authors: Maggi
authors: Robert
authors: R
authors: Moulias
authors: Karl
authors: K
authors: Nicholson
authors: Hans
authors: H
authors: Werner
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005060:Europe; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs; D008875:Middle Aged; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D014611:Vaccination