Many people think vaccines are mainly for children. Doctors say that is one of the biggest misconceptions about lifelong immunity.
As the immune system weakens with age, adults become more vulnerable to infections like influenza, pneumococcal disease, shingles, COVID-19, and respiratory illnesses. Vaccination helps prepare ageing immune cells to respond more effectively when they encounter dangerous viruses or bacteria.
Dr Athul Vyas V, Specialist & Associate Coordinator, Department of Geriatrics & Healthy Living, KIMSHEALTH Thiruvananthapuram, “With age, we all go through a process called ‘immunosenescence,’ which is a natural weakening of our immune system. In addition, we have ‘inflammaging,’ which refers to a constant level of inflammation. It makes your body tired, and consequently, you end up with an impaired immune system.”
Speaking about newer research, he added, “A recent study conducted at Stanford University has brought the idea of IMM-AGE into existence to measure the real immune condition of a person. Unlike your chronological age which is a poor predictor of actual health risks, your IMM-AGE measures your cellular profile to accurately predict your vulnerability to disease.”
He further noted, “Because an aging immune system is more vulnerable to severe infections, routine adult vaccination becomes a practical clinical necessity. Modern vaccines are manufactured with specific components that trigger the activation of an old immune response, thus restoring the lost immunity.”
And concluded, “The importance of regular adult vaccination in clinical practice cannot be overstated because of the natural weakening of the aging immune system. Monitoring your biological immune age will help you restore the lost immunity.”
