Strengthening Adult Respiratory Immunisation Programs: Beyond the Lung (Thomas Weinke)

The presentation was delivered and recorded during the 10th Lifecourse Prevention Summit 2025.

In this briefing, Thomas Weinke focuses on influenza and pneumococcal infections as key threats to healthy aging, arguing that both are systemic diseases whose consequences extend well beyond the respiratory system, including acute myocardial infarction, stroke, and increased cardiovascular risk. He presents evidence that influenza vaccination after a cardiac event reduces one-year mortality, is now included in cardiology guidelines with the highest level of evidence, and is comparable in effectiveness to standard treatments such as statins and antihypertensive drugs.

Weinke also highlights emerging data linking lower influenza vaccination rates to a higher risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease, and presents evidence that pneumococcal vaccination reduces the risk of myocardial infarction in adults over 65. His central message is that vaccination must be communicated not merely as protection against infection, but as an essential tool for preventing physical decline and supporting healthy aging across the life course. This session further explores the subject in depth, highlighting key takeaways, implications for policy and practice, and insights from the expert presenter to help inform future strategies.