Vaccination in older adults: development of an educational tool, Vaxisenior, in France

Expert Rev Vaccines. 2010 Mar;9(3 Suppl):15-20. doi: 10.1586/erv.10.29.

Abstract

The benefits of vaccination in older adults are well documented yet there is poor uptake of such preventive measures, and one of the main reasons in France is a lack of recommendation and support from healthcare professionals. To address this issue a multidisciplinary group of experts has developed an educational tool, Vaxisenior, to assist in the training of physicians/healthcare workers who can act as advocates for immunization programs. The tool comprises of eight sections (general introduction; immunosenescence; diphtheria-tetanus-poliomyelitis; influenza; pneumococcus; pertussis; herpes zoster; and vaccines for travelers). In addition, it includes national immunization schedules and recommendations, practical information regarding opportunities to expand vaccine coverage that is convenient to the patient and a questions and answers section covering topics relating to particular usage and responsibilities. Implementation of vaccination policies for older adults is a major issue and will require extensive promotional campaigns, as well as active support from healthcare and public health professionals to improve overall vaccine coverage.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • Communicable Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Communicable Diseases / mortality
  • Education / methods*
  • France
  • Humans
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care*
  • Vaccination / statistics & numerical data*