‘The great catch-up’ in vaccines: Older people must be included – World Today News

By Christiana FasholaCOVID-19 Vaccine Advisor
During World Immunization Week, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a global appeal to catch up on vaccines missed due to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

But “The Great Catch-Up” focused only on reducing missed vaccinations in children.

If we want to make sure we get back on track after the disruption caused by the COVID pandemic, health services must ensure that people of all ages, including the elderly, get the vaccination they have. missed.

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted routine immunization services around the world, resulting in a massive backlog of missed vaccinations.

This backlog applies as much to the elderly as it does to children. If we are serious about recovering from the pandemic, it is essential to also prioritize vaccinations of adults, especially older people who are at higher risk of serious illness from vaccine-preventable diseases.

COVID has exacerbated existing inequalities for older people

THE the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on the elderly makes it clear that they have been left behind in responses to COVID-19.

WHO estimates that 85% of excess mortality in 2020 and 2021 occurred in low- and middle-income countries, totaling 12.7 million deaths. More than three-quarters of these deaths were in the elderly.

A lifelong approach to vaccination

If we have learned one thing from the pandemic, it must be the importance of vaccination.

He stressed the crucial importance of vaccination at all ages. It is therefore imperative for governments not only to address missed childhood vaccinations, but also to establish a platform for lifelong inoculation. Integration of health programs progressing towards achievement Universal health coverage.

It is crucial that the implementation of “The Big Catch-up” initiative applies the lessons learned from vaccinations against COVID-19. Governments must ensure that vaccine distribution efforts are effective, equitable and accessible to all ages. “The Big Catch-up” could make a real difference if it offers the opportunity to build a platform for a life-long approach to vaccination.

As we age, our vaccination needs change and the spread of certain diseases can be prevented with vaccines recommended for adults. If we are to build resilient health systems to manage future pandemics, restoring pre-pandemic immunization levels and preparing for the deployment of new vaccines must reach everyone, regardless of age.

Evidence from several missed opportunity evaluations indicates that the potential benefits of integrating immunization services with other health programs – increased immunization coverage, reduced mortality and morbidity, improved resource utilization sanitation – have not yet materialized.

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