This webinar will focus on the importance of vaccination for older adults, particularly in the context of travel, and address the increased vulnerability to vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) due to the natural weakening of the immune system with age (immunosenescence). With the ageing population at heightened risk for infections, including flu, COVID-19, RSV, and other diseases, this session will also emphasize the need for timely revaccination and seasonal vaccinations.
Key aims include:
- Educating healthcare providers and caregivers on the importance of vaccinations in older adults, including essential travel vaccines and seasonal vaccines (Flu, COVID-19, RSV).
- Understanding how immunosenescence increases the risk of infectious diseases and complications in older adults.
- Exploring strategies to improve vaccination rates and overcome common misconceptions.
- Promoting best practices for vaccinating older adults as part of routine care and travel medicine.
As always, we will answer as many questions as possible during this session.
Presenter
Jenny Visser
BSc, MBChB, FRNZCGP, MTravMed, FISTM.
Jenny is the lead academic for Travel Medicine Postgraduate Studies and Senior Lecturer, Department of Primary Health Care and General Practice, University of Otago, Wellington.
Jenny’s background is in general practice having been a general practitioner in Wellington for 12 years before then specialising in travel medicine. Her research interests include the travel health needs of long term expatriates and expedition medicine. She also works part time in clinical travel medicine in Wellington.
Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from:
