[Vaccination updates for the elderly]

The number of elderly people is constantly increasing in Switzerland. This population is often at higher risk of infections and concomitant decompensation of underlying comorbidities, in particular cardiac or respiratory diseases. Vaccines are some of the most effective preventive measures for limiting morbidity and mortality related to some of those infections, such as influenza or shingles. In order to improve vaccination coverage, it is essential to inform the patients of the benefits of vaccination, and to plan a catch-up vaccination consultation. The goal of this article is to offer a practical guide for the general practitioner detailing vaccines for the elderly recommended in Switzerland.