153048 - Vaccination for adults 65 years and over. Part 1: influenza and pneumococcus

This free online learning module provides 15 clinical questions and immediate answers about an original peer-reviewed article written for GPs.

Relevance to General Practice

- Influenza and pneumococcal disease contribute significantly to morbidity, ongoing functional decline and mortality in older people. 
- These diseases are preventable by vaccination, but vaccine coverage is suboptimal in older people. 
- GPs have a key role in improving vaccination rates as a recommendation from the GP has a significant effect on whether patients are vaccinated.

Learning outcomes

• Explain to older patients why vaccination is important in their age group
• Advise older patients about age-appropriate influenza vaccination
• Vaccinate older patients against pneumococcus using an individualised regimen
• Review how your practice can support opportunistic vaccination of older patients