WATCH: World Ageing Conference - Vaccination gap in seniors

WATCH: World Ageing Conference - Vaccination gap in seniors

Listening to one of Professor Raina MacIntyre's research presentations, one has to wonder why vaccination in the elderly is not a regimented program already in place across the world.

Who we are:

We are a centre of excellence of academic research in immunisation, based at UNSW Medicine and Health, across The Kirby Institute and The School of Population Health. UNSW has a strong track record in vaccine research and has played an important role in COVID-19 research and policy. We are recognised international leaders in immunisation and vaccinology research.   Our largest area of strength is adult immunisation, with a focus on high risk and vulnerable populations including the elderly, migrants, refugees, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, immunosuppressed people and health workers. Our research expertise spans clinical trials, epidemiology, mathematical modelling, health economics, big data, data linkage, social and behavioural research as well as policy and evaluation. 

We conduct research, advocacy and teaching in immunisation and vaccine-preventable diseases, and provide expert consultation in this area.

From 2011-2016 many of us were part of a 5-year NHMRC Centre for Research excellence in Immunisation. UNSW VIRL builds on the work of that centre. In 2020-21, A/Prof James Wood and A/Prof Bette Liu are on the Australian Technical Advisory Group for Immunisation and play a key role in the national COVID-19 vaccine policy. We also have two academics, A/Prof Tony Newall and Prof Raina MacIntyre on the editorial board of the peak international journal in the field, Vaccine.

• About Adult Vaccination

Why are vaccinations important?

Vaccines are the best way to prevent the spread of potentially life-threatening infectious diseases. Vaccination in adulthood is just as important as in childhood, both for individual quality of life and to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases to other vulnerable members of the community.

Recommended vaccines will depend on age, medical conditions, lifestyle influences, travel, and occupational exposures. Some of the most commonly recommended vaccines for adults over 65 years include influenza, pneumococcal disease, shingles, and whooping cough. Influenza and pneumococcal disease vaccines are available, free of charge, under the NIP for over 65s, and the shingles vaccine is funded for over 70s.