Improving adult vaccination policy in long-term care settings

​

The global population is rapidly changing, resulting in a shift in demographic distributions towards older ages, known as population ageing.  It is estimated that by 2050, 1 in 6 people in the world will be aged 60 years or older, with the proportion of this population and those 80 years or above doubling and tripling, respectively. With the significant shift in age distributions globally, there is an unprecedented demand for the implementation of comprehensive life course immunization programs, particularly for older adults and those with chronic conditions.

The unique communal living conditions in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) give rise to an increased risk and exposure to respiratory and other infectious diseases due to shared spaces and staff working closely with multiple residents.

The ‘Improving Adult Vaccination Policy in Long-Term Care Settings’ is the first study of its kind intended to deliver critical baseline data to identify gaps in policy on immunization in LTCFs. The results of the study help inform technical guidelines as well as governmental and civil society dialogue and policy actions to protect the health of LTC residents.  A systematic review of government websites, peer-reviewed articles, and national peak organizations elicited information on immunization policies within federal aged care plans and national immunization guidelines and recommendations for older adults and residents of LTCFs across nineteen countries.

Technical report and Press release