Session 1: Vaccination across ageing populations

11:00 Protecting Older Adults Through Vaccination: Evidence from the Real World - Prof. dr. Johan Flamaing, KU Leuven/UZ Leuven

Older adults are at increased risk of complications from vaccine-preventable infections. The real-world effectiveness of recommended vaccines has been demonstrated in this population, highlighting the role of vaccination in promoting healthy ageing.

11:20 From surveillance to vaccine recommendations: closing protection gaps in older adults - Prof. Nicolas Dauby, MD, PhD, Department of Infectious Diseases, CHU Saint-Pierre, Brussels & EVASG Education Officer

Using influenza, RSV and pneumococcal disease as examples, this presentation will explore how surveillance reveals gaps in protection and informs vaccination recommendations for older adults.

11:40 Challenges in adult immunization in Belgium and Europe: reflections of the Adult Immunisation Board - Prof. Pierre Van Damme, University of Antwerp

Despite the impressive impact data of vaccination among older adults, we see varying vaccination coverage rates for this target group in Belgium and other EU countries. Various barriers appear to play a role here: not recognizing oneself as a high-risk individual, cost, differing recommendations across countries, reduced trust, a lack of clear recommendations or a schedule, and a lack of a structured vaccine availability, among others. Meanwhile, a number of countries have taken steps to address these barriers.

12:00 Q&A