Immunization of the elderly. A vital part of routine healthcare

The vaccines recommended for routine use in healthy elderly persons (influenza vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine, tetanus-diphtheria toxoid) have benefits far outweighing any risks, yet they are under-utilized. Every patient visit to a healthcare provider presents an opportunity for assessment of the patient's immune status, but preventive care for the elderly is often neglected. Elderly patients are willing to change their habits to maintain good health. The success of any program aimed at protecting this age-group is dependent on a change in habit by the physicians and institutions that provide their healthcare.