Vaccines protect against disease, as well as act as a ‘training’ for the immune system – even when it is already slower, is still able to react and create defenses
Many people still think it’s a “child thing,” but that’s not true. Aging with is a wish of all these days, and one of the pillars for this to happen is prevention. Among the main forms of prevention, A has a fundamental role, especially in the elderly population. As we get older, our body goes through various transformations – and the immune system also changes. These changes make the elderly more vulnerable to infections, which is precisely why a specific vaccination calendar for this age group is so important.
This natural aging process, called immunissenescence, makes the body more difficult to combat viruses, bacteria and other infectious agents. It takes place from the age of 60, when defense cells begin to work slower and less effective. With this, the elderly: have more difficulty fighting common infections; They respond more weakly to new threats; They take longer to recover from disease; And often they do not have the typical infection symptoms, which delays diagnosis and treatment.
In addition, the body responds less intensely to vaccines. This does not mean that vaccines are no longer effective, but that it is even more important that they are applied correctly and within the recommended deadlines, ensuring the necessary stimulus for the defense system. When an elderly woman gets sick, it is more common for serious complications, such as prolonged hospitalizations, loss of autonomy and even risk of death. Therefore, there are vaccines specifically recommended for the elderly, which help prevent serious diseases such as flu, pneumonia, tetanus, covid-19 and herpes zoster (known as the cobble).
Vaccination: a gesture of care and protection
Vaccines not only protect against the disease, they act as a “training” for the immune system – even when it is already slower, it is still able to react and create defenses, especially with vaccines developed or adjusted for this age group. But they also prevent the elderly from suffering from serious forms, which often result in loss of quality of life. In addition, keeping vaccination up to date reduces the need for hospitalizations, preserves functional independence and contributes to healthier and more active aging.
The Ministry of Health’s National Immunization Program (PNI) offers several of these vaccines for free. Some of the most important for those who are 60 years or more are:
- Influenza (gripe) – Annually recommended, its importance is due to avoiding pneumonia and decompensation of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart failure and even death. This is an updated vaccine every year according to the most prevalent viruses.
- Pneumococcal (against pneumonia and other infections) – Today we have 13, 20 and 23. Prevent serious forms of pneumonia, meningitis and widespread infections. Being the following scheme: VPC 13, after 6-12 months perform the VPP23. In some situations, VPC 20 alone.
- dT or dTpa (against diphtheria, tetano and shell) – With reinforcement every 10 years.
- Herpes-zoster – Available in the private network and under analysis to be incorporated soon in the public network. This is a vaccine that does not prevent the disease itself, but prevents its most feared complication, which is postherpetic neuralgia.
- COVID-19 – With updated reinforcement doses according to the Ministry of Health’s guidelines. Today, being indicated in the elderly with the last dose for over 6 months, they should look for the Basic Health Unit for updating. The complete vaccination scheme reduces 90% of hospitalizations in the elderly and 85% of mortality.
- Hepatite b – It is not an exclusive disease of young people or specific risk groups. The elderly can also infect themselves, and the impact may be even more severe. Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all non -vaccinated people, regardless of age, including those over 60 (free from SUS). It is a viral infection that hits the liver and can evolve silently. In many cases, the person only discovers the disease when they have already caused significant damage such as liver cirrhosis or liver cancer. Transmission may occur by contact with contaminated blood, unprotected sex or during medical or dental procedures with unreserved instruments. With aging, in addition to the reduction of immunity, many people undergo frequent medical procedures (surgeries, dialys, hospitalizations), which increases the risk of exposure to the virus.
Myths, misinformation and practical obstacles
Elderly vaccinating is not just a recommendation: it is a proven effective measure in reducing serious diseases, hospital hospitalizations and avoidable deaths. A study published in Vaccine (2021) showed that in the elderly vaccinated against influenza, there was: 40% less hospitalizations for pneumonia and 37% less hospitalizations for acute respiratory diseases. In 2022, flu vaccination avoided more than 9,000 deaths in Brazil, according to data from Datasus and Fiocruz.
But an important subject when it comes to vaccine is as follows: even with safe, free and effective vaccines, vaccination coverage among the elderly in Brazil is still below the ideal. According to data from the Ministry of Health, the 90% goal of vaccination coverage for influenza in the elderly has not been reached for years.
And this happens for several factors, which go far beyond the simple “choice” of vaccinating or not. Many elderly – and even family members and caregivers – still have doubts or believe in vaccination myths, such as:
- “Vaccine weakens immunity”
- “After old, it is no use anymore vaccinating”
- “I took the vaccine and got flu” (confusing light reaction with infection)
- “Vaccines cause autoimmune diseases” (without scientific base)
This type of misinformation circulates hard, especially in messages of messages and social networks, and the lack of clear and constant educational campaigns contributes to doubt.
Even with free offer, many elderly people face practical obstacles to vaccinate, such as:
- Difficulty of locomotion to health facilities
- Lack of escort or caregiver available
- Posts with reduced times or without priority care
- Long lines, absence of trained professionals to clarify doubts
- Lack of information about which vaccines are available, when and where
Vaccination is an investment in quality of life
It is our duty as doctors inform and demystify false information through clear and accessible guidance, as well as including vaccination in the routine of the elderly health care. Vacing yourself is a simple, fast and living gesture. For the elderly, it is also a powerful way to ensure more autonomy, well-being and protection, as well as an investment in quality of life. Each vaccine plays a key role in protecting the elderly, especially when we consider the natural aging of the immune system. Keeping the vaccination book up to date is simple care, but it makes all the difference. Talk to your doctor at your outpatient consultations. After all, growing old is also a matter of prevention!
*By Dr. Julianne Pessequillo (CRM 160.834 // RQE 71.895)
Geriatrics and Medical Clinic – Healthy Longevity and Member of Brazil Health
