Policy Matters: Activating Policy Levers to Increase Prioritization of Adult Immunization

Older adults and individuals with chronic health conditions face heightened risks from vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), particularly influenza, which can result in serious illness, hospitalization, and death.

Recent data highlight rising mortality and increasing healthcare pressures associated with seasonal influenza, especially among adults aged 65 and older. Despite the proven effectiveness of vaccines in preventing millions of deaths annually, influenza vaccine uptake among older adults remains uneven in many settings, leaving vulnerable populations unprotected and placing additional strain on healthcare systems.

While many countries recognize the importance of adult immunization, policy and implementation gaps continue to limit progress. These include insufficient prioritization of adult vaccination in national health strategies, inconsistent funding and delivery mechanisms, and barriers to equitable access for high-risk populations. As a result, influenza vaccination coverage among older adults often remains below recommended targets.

The “Policy Matters: Activating Policy Levers to Increase Prioritization of Adult Immunization” initiative addresses these challenges by developing targeted policy briefs. The initiative highlights key gaps and opportunities within national immunization policies and implementation frameworks and shares insights with governments and stakeholders to strengthen policy action and advance life-course vaccination strategies that better protect adults aged 65 and over.