Assessing Vaccine Protection for Older Adults with Diabetes: A Systematic Review.
Leena Almasri1, Barbara J Holtzclaw1
1Donald W. Reynolds Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence, Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
Western Journal of Nursing Research
|April 13, 2021
Summary
Vaccines safely reduce hospitalization and mortality in older adults with diabetes mellitus (DM), but suboptimal antibody responses and hesitancy remain challenges. Annual revaccinations are recommended for this vulnerable population.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Older adults with diabetes mellitus (DM) face increased risks of vaccine-preventable diseases due to immunosenescence and comorbidities.
- Pandemics like COVID-19 highlight the vulnerability of this population to severe outcomes, including hospitalization, disability, and death.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review research on protecting older adults with DM during pandemics.
- To explore vaccine safety, tolerance, and uptake in this demographic, considering seasonal influenza and COVID-19 threats.
- To address age-related factors, DM-specific vaccine responses, and barriers to immunization.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of studies from Medline and CINAHL databases.
- Inclusion criteria identified 43 studies from 214 initially retrieved.
- Studies comprised 32 descriptive and 11 controlled trials.
Main Results:
- Altered glycemic control in older adults with DM exacerbates inflammation and infection risk.
- Vaccines and annual revaccinations are safe, reducing hospitalization and mortality without impacting glycemic control.
- Vaccines elicit suboptimal antibody responses in older adults, and factors like unawareness and fear of side effects reduce vaccination participation.
Conclusions:
- Vaccination is a safe and effective strategy to reduce severe outcomes in older adults with DM.
- Addressing suboptimal immune responses and vaccine hesitancy is crucial for improving protection in this population.
- Continued research and public health initiatives are needed to enhance vaccine uptake and effectiveness in older adults with diabetes.
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