Advancing a common adult respiratory vaccination schedule as a mechanism to improve adult vaccination rates

Older adults and those with chronic medical conditions represent the largest at-risk populations for serious, life-threatening complications from vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) when compared to the general population.

In Europe, in 2024, individuals aged 65 and older were among the most at-risk for infection and experienced severe outcomes, including hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and deaths, at a higher degree for three respiratory diseases: respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19 and influenza. However, immunization programs in many countries have traditionally prioritized pediatric populations, with less emphasis on consistent and comprehensive vaccination strategies for older adults.

Ensuring vaccine uptake is essential to reduce the burden of preventable disease, improve outcomes for older populations, and strengthen the resilience and sustainability of health systems across the region. Accordingly, the International Federation on Ageing (IFA) aimed to examine the adoption of a common vaccination schedule within a national health system as a strategic approach to improving adult vaccination rates. This approach involves aligning eligibility criteria, timing, and administration guidelines across regions and healthcare programs within a health system.

The overarching objective of this work is to inform government policy by comprehensively exploring and identifying the key benefits, critical challenges, and barriers, to integrate a common vaccination schedule in European countries.