Globally, populations are aging due to sustained increases in longevity and falling birth rates. At the same time, economic development in low and middle income countries is raising the issue of better health for whole populations. These developments are placing unprecedented strains on healthcare systems globally. Many infectious diseases can be prevented by existing vaccines or the severity of the course of disease can be attenuated even if the vaccination does not prevent infection entirely. The benefits of pediatric vaccination programs can no longer be doubted, both for improving health and boosting productivity. As a result, significant strides have been made in improving coverage of children over the last two decades. It is also clear that preventive medicine can play a major role in preserving the health and independence of older adults. Vaccination can thus contribute to healthy aging, alongside healthy diet and physical exercise. The available evidence indicates that dedicated programs can achieve substantial improvements in vaccination coverage among older adults – however, for older adults the preventive potential of widespread vaccination is rarely realized. The reasons for the failure to fully implement life-course vaccination; the consequences and potential solutions are all discussed.

FUNDING

GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA funded this study and all costs associated with the development of related publications.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

All authors are employees of the GSK group of companies and hold shares in the GSK group of companies.