Recent developments of vaccines for older adults: Adjuvants and beyond

Abstract

As the global population ages, the development of effective vaccines for older adults has become a public health priority. Immunosenescence, the gradual decline of immune function with age, reduces vaccine efficacy, necessitating novel strategies to enhance immune responses in this population. This review summarizes the current landscape of vaccines for older adults including vaccines against influenza, pneumococcal disease, COVID-19, RSV and herpes zoster and explores recent advancements in vaccines for older adults. Adjuvants can enhance immunogenicity and have played an important role in recent vaccine developments. This review underscores the need for continued innovation to improve existing vaccines, develop vaccines against additional infections including nosocomial pathogens, and to strengthen implementation of vaccination programs to ensure optimal protection against infectious diseases in aging populations.

Keywords: COVID-19; RSV; Vaccine; adjuvant; aging; herpes zoster; influenza; older adults; pneumococcal disease; vaccination.