Perception and Vaccination Status of Elderly Individuals Aged 60 Years and Above: An Urban Lahore Analysis

Abstract

Introduction: Although there have been successful global efforts to provide vaccinations to children, immunization of the elderly has remained a largely neglected issue. There is currently no literature looking at vaccine coverage amongst the elderly in Pakistan. Worldwide, there is insufficient vaccine coverage among older adults, a group at high risk of acquiring vaccine preventable diseases.

Aims & Objectives: Our objective was to assess vaccination status among the elderly in Pakistan, and reasons for being unvaccinated.

Place and duration of study: The study was carried out at the Fatima Memorial Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan from 1st January 2019 till October 2019.

Material & Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out on people over 60 years. Unvaccinated participants were counseled about the importance of vaccines, and for those willing, vaccination was arranged. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS version 23.

Results: The 402 participants enrolled, 288(72%) knew that vaccinations can prevent diseases. Only 168(42%) were sure they had received any vaccine as an adult; the vaccine most often received was against hepatitis B, 84(21%). Influenza and pneumococcal vaccine had been received by 72(18%) and 44(11%), respectively. A large number of participants were completely unaware of the need for adult vaccines (38%), 16% had never been told about vaccinations by their primary care professional and 60% responded that there was not enough awareness regarding vaccination. There was a positive correlation between vaccination and education, along with social status (p<0.05). After counseling, 278(69%) requested vaccinations.

Conclusion: A large proportion of the elderly populations studied were unvaccinated, or unaware of their immunization status. After receiving information about vaccinations, most participants were keen to avail this service; vaccinations of the elderly needs to be addressed in the background of the health challenges presented by the aging population of developing countries.