Immunisation in Older Adults: Rationale and Recommendations

This Research Review E-Learning Module, intended for GPs, reviews the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases in older adults, immunisation policies and practices in older adults, and vaccines currently available in New Zealand for older adults. It is based on a Research Review Educational Series publication entitled “Immunisation in Older Adults: Rationale and Recommendations”.

Before starting the module, please read the Research Review Educational Series, accessed through the link below:

CLICK HERE
to access the quiz source material
Immunisation in Older Adults: Rationale and Recommendations

The PDF through the link above can be viewed on screen, saved and printed.

This E-Learning Module covers:

• The burden of vaccine-preventable diseases in older adults
• Immunisation policies and practices in older adults
• New Zealand recommendations and funding criteria for vaccines in older adults

Learning outcomes

After completing this module, you should have an improved understanding of how to:

• Describe the risks associated with vaccine-preventable diseases in older adults
• Promote immunisation as a key element of maintaining health throughout life
• Advise individuals on both funded and non-funded vaccines recommended for use in older adults

Contributing experts

Content for the Research Review Speaker Series was provided by:

Dr Xaviour Walker, a Geriatrician and Internal Medicine Consultant at Te Whatu Ora Southern. Xaviour lectures internationally on healthy ageing, preventive medicine and public health and his research interests are in healthy ageing, geriatrics, tropical medicine, Pacific Island health and workforce and medical education.

Associate Professor Helen Petousis-Harris, a Vaccinologist in the Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care at the University of Auckland. Helen leads international collaborative research on vaccine safety and effectiveness and is a co-director of the Global Vaccine Data Network. Her work focuses on protecting populations through evidence-based immunisation policies, science communication, and combating vaccine misinformation.

Professor Ngaire Kerse, a GP and head of Population Health at the University of Auckland. Ngaire runs an active programme of research involved in improving the health of older people and is recognised as an international expert in falls prevention, bicultural ageing and primary health care. Ngaire was awarded a distinguished fellowship of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners in 2011.

Module questions have been developed by Dr Chris Tofield who works part time in General Practice in Tauranga, New Zealand, is involved in clinical research and is a clinical advisor to the Bay of Plenty District Health Board.

Accreditation

Research Review publications, videos and e-Learning modules have been endorsed by The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP) and have been approved for up to 2 CME credit per learning hour for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) purposes. Please CLICK HERE to download RNZCGP Dashboard.