Return to top of page

Vaccination

Vaccines train the human immune system to recognize and combat infectious disease, which results in immunity or reduced potential severity of illness. An increasing number of diseases are preventable through vaccination. However, vaccine-preventable diseases continue to cause significant illness, hospitalization, pain, disability, and death in the United States, particularly in the older adult population. 

Vaccination among adults has not been prioritized as a public health priority in the U.S. As a result, adult vaccination rates have remained dangerously low and fallen short of national targets, despite the devastating effects of vaccine-preventable disease.

The Alliance for Aging Research supports safe, effective vaccinations that help older adults maintain their health and live longer. The Alliance’s “Our Best Shot” educational campaign underscores the importance of ensuring adherence to vaccination schedules as individuals age. The Alliance also works with coalitions such as the Adult Vaccine Access Coalition (AVAC) to advocate for policies that support coverage and increased vaccination rates for older adults . Specifically, the Alliance supports improving our vaccine research infrastructure to develop new vaccines, ensuring equitable access, reducing financial barriers, and helping educate older adults on the importance of receiving Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-recommended vaccines.The Alliance also participates and submits comments for the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the public health expert panel convened by the CDC to review scientific data and vote on vaccine recommendations.

The COVID-19 pandemic vaccine development effort has shown the value of innovation to help meet and overcome disease. The Alliance supports increased funding for federal, state, and local efforts to ensure that older adults can readily access and receive FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines. The Alliance has also co-convened the Vaccine Education and Equity Project to promote education and awareness of COVID-19 vaccines and support efforts to ensure equitable access. By improving adult vaccination rates, we can improve outcomes for older adults and lower health costs.

Videos on Vaccination

Watch video

Real Stories of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases: Allison’s Experience with Influenza (“Flu”)

While most of us have had the flu or know someone who has had it, we often do not realize…

more.
Watch video

Real Stories of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases: Kristine’s Experience with Shingles

Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, or VZV, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. The virus…

more.
Watch video

Real Stories of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases: Jill’s Experience with Pertussis

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a severe infection of the upper respiratory system caused by bacteria. It can…

more.

The Healthy Aging Blog on Vaccination

Edwin L. Walker, JD, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Aging of the Administration on Aging (AoA) within the Administration for Community Living, accepts the Perennial Hero Award.

Catching Up with Edwin Walker: 2023 Perennial Hero Award Recipient

Chad Worz, PharmD, BCGP, Chief Executive of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP), accepts the Daniel Perry Founder’s Award.

Catching Up with Chad Worz: 2023 Daniel Perry Founder’s Award Recipient

Vaccinations are ‘Our Best Shot’ at Staying Healthy

Henry Buchwald, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Surgery and Biomedical Engineering and the Owen H. and Sarah Davidson Wangensteen Chair in Experimental Surgery Emeritus at the University of Minnesota, was recognized with the Silver Innovator Award. This award is presented to an individual who anticipates and embraces the evolution of high-quality research aligned with the needs of older patients.

Catching Up with Dr. Henry Buchwald: 2023 Silver Innovator Award Recipient

Vaccination News & Updates

Ways to Give

There are many ways you can help accelerate the pace of scientific discoveries and their application to vastly improve the universal human experience of aging and health:

Platinum Transparency 2024 logo

The Alliance for Aging Research is a proud recipient of Candid’s Platinum Seal of Transparency.

Charity Navigator Four-Star Rating Badge

The Alliance for Aging Research is proud to be rated a 4-star charity by Charity Navigator.