Experts Urge Modernized Vaccination Strategies to Protect Aging Adults

The Imperative of Lifelong Immunization

Experts emphasize that as the population ages, maintaining an updated vaccination record is one of the most effective strategies to ensure quality of life. Alfredo Gilio, coordinator of the Immunization Clinic at Hospital Israelita Einstein, notes that just as the body loses muscle strength and other functions with age, the immune system naturally ages as well.

Preserving Independence and Quality of Life

For geriatric specialists, the goal of vaccination extends beyond the simple prevention of disease. Fernanda Sperandio, president of the Sociedade Brasileira de Geriatria in Espírito Santo, explains that the primary challenge for the elderly is often not merely surviving an infection, but recovering their functional independence afterward. By reducing the risk of severe illness, vaccines help preserve mobility and quality of life for aging adults.

Isabella Ballalai, director of the Sociedade Brasileira de Imunizações (SBIm), notes that while pediatric vaccination has successfully prevented childhood mortality, there is a critical need to shift the public perception that immunization ends in childhood.

Global Strategies and Future Targets

On an international level, experts are advocating for a shift toward lifelong vaccination policies. During a recent meeting of the Adult Immunization Board (AIB) in Lisbon, specialists discussed aligning national policies with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030).

Current proposals for modernizing these strategies include:

• Integrating immunization into broader policies for healthy aging and longevity.
• Expanding national vaccination programs to include more vaccines and removing requirements for medical prescriptions.
• Adopting the “95-95-95” strategy, which aims for 95% coverage among individuals over 65, those with chronic diseases, and healthcare professionals.
• Improving logistical access through collaborations between national health services and pharmacies, including simplified scheduling options like “open house” models.

Experts stress that communication must be evidence-based, moving away from treating the population as mere targets and instead engaging them as partners. Translating vaccine efficacy into tangible metrics, such as the number of hospital beds saved, is recommended to boost public and professional confidence.

Local Implementation: The Case of Influenza

The practical application of these strategies is currently visible in municipal efforts. In Jundiaí, the local government is managing an influenza campaign that underscores the focus on vulnerable groups.

Because the influenza virus undergoes frequent mutations, the vaccine is updated annually to include the latest strains. While the vaccine does not entirely prevent infection, it significantly reduces the risk of aggravation, severe complications, and hospitalizations. As of mid-May 2026, Jundiaí had achieved a 45% vaccination coverage rate among individuals aged 60 and older. Municipal authorities continue to emphasize that, in line with national health guidelines, prioritizing these groups is essential for protecting those most susceptible to severe health declines during the colder months.

Sources: Tribunaonline, Sabado.