Promoting Healthy Ageing in South Africa Through Vaccination of the Elderly

Abstract

The World Health Organization estimates that globally, the proportion of people aged ≥60 years will more than double by the year 2050, with the majority of elderly people living in low- and middle-income countries such as South Africa. Population ageing is an impending public health concern, potentially negatively impacting on South Africa's economy and health system if the government does not adequately prepare for this change. Globally, many potential solutions to ensure healthy ageing are being discussed and implemented, including adopting a “life-course” approach to vaccination which includes vaccination of the elderly, since they are at considerable risk of severe morbidity and mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases. While vaccines are considered as one of the greatest tools for preventing childhood infectious disease morbidity and mortality, they are under-utilised in strategies for promoting healthy ageing in South Africa, where only influenza vaccination is available free of charge to the elderly accessing public sector healthcare. Population ageing coupled with the high incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases amongst elderly South Africans, necessitates establishing a comprehensive national policy and guidelines for vaccination of the elderly.

Low influenza vaccine uptake by healthcare workers caring for the elderly in South African old age homes and primary healthcare facilities

“…In South Africa, in order to protect the most vulnerable and mitigate the impact of absenteeism during the COVID-19 pandemic, the NDoH prioritised HCWs for free influenza vaccination for the 2020 and 2021 influenza seasons [ 21 , 38 ]. In addition, following the national roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccination programme in early 2021, the NDoH has strongly promoted both COVID-19 vaccination and influenza vaccination for HCWs and the elderly, which is the current recommendation [ 21 , 31 , 63 ].…”

“…The South African National Department of Health (NDoH), the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, the South African Thoracic Society and the Federation of Infectious Diseases Societies of Southern Africa, have published guidelines which highly recommend influenza vaccination for HCWs [ 31 , 36 – 38 ]. However, prior to 2020, the NDoH provided free influenza vaccination only to HCWs at high risk of severe influenza outcomes (pregnancy; aged >65 years; underlying medical conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, and human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] infection) [ 36 ].…”

Longevity, Chronic Conditions and Ageing Dynamics: A Mathematical Reliability Perspective. Review

“…Proactive preventive strategies involve anticipatory and preventive measures aimed at promoting healthy ageing and reducing the burden of age-related diseases and healthcare costs [22,31]. Promotion and preventative strategies such as vaccination of the elderly are crucial to ensure that healthcare systems can effectively meet the needs of an ageing global population [32]. Physical inactivity contributes significantly to chronic diseases, meaning that a lack of regular physical activity is a crucial factor in developing and worsening chronic health conditions.…”

Developing an intelligent prediction system for successful aging based on artificial neural networks

“…[ 5 ] World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that the number of elderly people will be doubled in comparison with the current numbers, specifically in the countries having low and middle economic income level, by 2050. [ 6 ] Other researchers forecasted that the number of older adults with cognitive disorders such as dementia, chronic disease, and other disabilities would increase the elderly’s population growth by that year. [ 7 8 ] During the aging period, general physical and mental disorders would be increased and this leads to the limitation in social engagement and independence among the elderlies.…”