Immunizations in Long-Term Care: Are We Where We Should Be?

Vaccination is considered one of the most important public health achievements to decrease morbidity and mortality across the life span. Older adults have age-related changes, including age-associated impairment of cell-mediated immunity, that put them at particular risk for preventable diseases such as flu and pneumonia. Further, many older adults live in communal facilities such as assisted living or nursing homes where communicable diseases are easily spread.