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Review
. 2018;14(8):1957-1962.
doi: 10.1080/21645515.2018.1467200. Epub 2018 May 31.

The impact of dosing schedules on the success of vaccination programmes in elderly populations: A summary of current evidence

Ian Matthews  1 , Hazel Dawson  1
Affiliations
Review

The impact of dosing schedules on the success of vaccination programmes in elderly populations: A summary of current evidence

Ian Matthews et al. Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2018.

Abstract

Vaccines are an established means of preventing and eliminating communicable diseases. Whilst their efficacy in some settings is well studied, the impact of multi-dose vaccinations programmes in elderly populations is not well documented. A literature review was conducted in order to collate and analyse existing publications to provide a summary of current thinking and support identification of key factors that impact on the success of vaccination programmes. Having returned little information to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject area, two short surveys were undertaken to supplement the findings and further examine the attitudes and opinions of the elderly and healthcare professionals. Combining the results from all three research methodologies suggests that vaccination programmes with fewer doses are associated with improved course completion rates and a lower logistical and economic burden. Whilst it is acknowledged that this study has limitations, it provides relevant insights in a space where there is little research to inform the work programmes of vaccines in development and support optimisation of ongoing programmes. It also highlights the need for further research to fully understand the factors influencing successful vaccination programmes in this specific patient population.

Keywords: Vaccine; adherence; dosing schedules; elderly; vaccination programme.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Likelihood that an increased number of doses would place additional burden on the surgery.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Summarised search methodology for targeted literature review.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Demographics of the elderly population survey.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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