Coalition of advocates to vaccinate of Western European citizens aged 60 years and older

The high burden of infectious diseases in adults aged 60 years and older is disproportionate, considering that many of these diseases are vaccine-preventable. Based on careful analysis of the reasons for vaccination barriers/failures in the European population, the two European geriatric and gerontological societies (the European Union Geriatric Medicine Society [EUGMS] and the International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics - European Region [IAGG-ER]) propose careful adaptation of current vaccine guidelines to promote preventive aspects, concerning both life threatening-diseases (influenza, pneumococcal pneumonia and tetanus/diphtheria) and diseases which adversely impact patients' quality of life (pertussis and herpes zoster), This consensus statement is designed to support official recommendations and improve the willingness to vaccinate the most rapidly growing segment of the population, The following guidelines are based on the importance of the sustainability of vaccine programs from midlife till extreme old age: - Promote healthy aging by optimizing health determinants of daily functions, active participation in society and individual quality of life; - Provide useful information to contribute toward harmonizing vaccine strategies at European level; - Support the public health, social and economic values of vaccination. Both healthcare professionals and consumers associations have a critical role to play in the implementation of such consensus clinical guidelines. (Aging Clin Exp Res 2009; 21: 254-257) (C) 2009, Editrice Kurtis