Why Lifecourse and Adult Immunization are Essential for an Ageing Society (Diane Thomson)

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

In this briefing, Diane Thomson, examines the critical but often overlooked link between infectious diseases and non-communicable diseases. She argues that as populations age, the risk of serious infection increases while vaccine uptake remains low and that the resulting burden on health systems and economies is both significant and largely preventable.

Thomson presents evidence that vaccination against respiratory infections offers measurable protective effects against cardiovascular disease, stroke, and diabetes complications, and calls for vaccine recommendations to be reconsidered in light of immunological changes that begin well before the age of 65.

Her central message is that vaccination must be integrated into non-communicable disease management as a matter of policy priority not only because it saves lives, but because the return on investment is substantial and the cost of inaction is growing. 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.