Respiratory Season

About the Campaign

Welcome to the Respiratory Season hub, your go-to destination for resources, projects, and information on respiratory illnesses affecting older adults.

Respiratory infections, such as influenza, can significantly impact the health and well-being of older adults, increasing the risk of hospitalization and complications.

Running from October to January, this campaign provides evidence-based guidance, prevention strategies, and practical tools to help older adults, caregivers, and healthcare providers stay informed and protected.

Explore past initiatives, current programs, and new projects all in one place to empower yourself and your community for #AHealthierSeason.

Be sure to join the conversation and help spread awareness this respiratory season! Share these resources and be part of #AHealthierSeason!

Respiratory Season - General - Final Oct3

Explore Projects by Category

Discover evidence-based projects, resources, and insights designed to inform, guide, and support older adults, caregivers, and healthcare providers. Whether you’re looking to understand influenza vaccination, learn from real-world experiences, or explore policy-driven strategies, this section brings together practical tools and knowledge to help you take action for #AHealthierSeason.

Policy and Advocacy

This category focuses on initiatives that drive change at the systems and policy level. Discover projects and resources that provide evidence, insights, and strategies to support stronger vaccination policies, improve adult immunization rates, and advance respiratory health for older adults.

Influenza through the eyes of older adults –

Hear from an older adult whose life was deeply affected by influenza; A reminder of why prevention and vaccination matter more than ever.

Watch the videos below!

1. The Impact of Influenza on Older Adults and People with Chronic Conditions
2. Vaccination’s Ripple Effect: Safeguarding People and Communities

Free e-module: Learn about influenza vaccines and make informed health decisions
Start the e-module
Roadmap: Follow the step-by-step guide to understand key concepts
View the roadmap
Watch Dr. Tamás share why informed vaccine choices matter
YouTube video

This report explores how adopting a common adult vaccination schedule across Europe could strengthen protection for older adults and those with chronic conditions against respiratory diseases such as influenza, COVID-19, and RSV. Readers will find an in-depth analysis of current policy gaps, the benefits of aligning eligibility, timing, and administration practices, and the real-world challenges countries face in implementation. The report also highlights practical opportunities and recommendations to support policymakers and health leaders in improving vaccine uptake, reducing preventable disease, and building more resilient health systems across the region.

Read the report here.

Older adults in long-term care face higher risks from vaccine-preventable diseases—including influenza, pneumonia, shingles, and COVID-19. Yet too many remain unprotected due to gaps in policy, access, and awareness. The International Federation on Ageing’s new report “Evidence to Action: Towards Improved Vaccination Policy in LTC” highlights urgent steps to advance vaccination in long-term care.

📖 Read the full report and explore solutions that can save lives and strengthen health systems here.

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.

Read the country-level reports here.