Click here to view the transcript of this event.
Public event
Immunizations are a lifesaving and cost-effective intervention that can radically reduce the transmission of potentially debilitating diseases such as flu, shingles, pneumonia, and measles. Despite high rates of childhood vaccination, adult vaccination rates in the U.S. remain low. However, the immune system deteriorates with age, leaving older adults more susceptible to many vaccine-preventable diseases that could result in hospitalizations and other costly medical interventions. This briefing reviewed the value of immunizations for aging adults, highlighted factors that impact access to immunizations, and provided a review of coverage for adult vaccines under public and private insurance. Given the severity of this year’s flu season, the panelists also discussed the efficacy of the flu vaccine for aging adults and the implications of low vaccination rates.
Panelists:
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- Wilbur H. Chen, MD, MS, FACP, FIDSA, Associate Professor of Medicine and Chief of the Adult Clinical Studies Section, Center for Vaccine Development, University of Maryland School of Medicine
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Litjen (L.J.) Tan, MS, PhD, Chief Strategy Officer of Immunization Action Coalition; Co-chair of National Adult Immunization Summit and National Influenza Vaccine Summit; Board Member, Adult Vaccines Access Coalition.
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Charley John, PharmD, Director of U.S. Public Policy, Walgreen Co.
- Robert H. Hopkins, Jr., MD, Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics and Director of Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Moderated by: Sarah J. Dash, MPH, President and CEO, Alliance for Health Policy
Check out our live tweeting of the event at:
#AllHealthLive
The Alliance would like to thank the Adult Vaccine Access Coalition for making this event possible.