Impact of Vaccines Across the Lifespan: A New Perspective in Public Health—Conclusions of an Expert Panel—Part 1

Roberto Debbag; María L. Ávila-Agüero; José Brea; Carlos Espinal; Rodrigo Romero-Feregrino; Jaime R. Torres; Hebe Vázquez; Robinson Cuadros; Gustavo Lazo-Páez; SCHILLING REDLICH, ANDREA INGRID; Pablo Bonvehí; Maisa Kairalla; Alfonso J. Rodríguez-Morales

doi:10.3390/vaccines14020183

Impact of Vaccines Across the Lifespan: A New Perspective in Public Health—Conclusions of an Expert Panel—Part 1

Journal

Vaccines

ISSN

2076-393X

Date Issued

2026-02-15

Author(s)

Roberto Debbag

María L. Ávila-Agüero

José Brea

Carlos Espinal

Rodrigo Romero-Feregrino

Jaime R. Torres

Hebe Vázquez

Robinson Cuadros

Gustavo Lazo-Páez

SCHILLING REDLICH, ANDREA INGRID

Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo

Pablo Bonvehí

Maisa Kairalla

Alfonso J. Rodríguez-Morales

Type

journal-article

DOI

10.3390/vaccines14020183

URL

https://hdl.handle.net/123456789/12290

Abstract

Population aging is the most significant demographic transformation of the 21st century, reshaping health systems, economies, and societies. The biological processes of immunosenescence and inflammaging weaken host defenses, reduce vaccine effectiveness, and increase vulnerability to infectious and chronic diseases. These changes underscore the urgent need for preventive strategies that extend beyond childhood immunization. Vaccination is a cornerstone of healthy aging, capable of preventing infections and has been associated with reductions in systemic inflammation, frailty, and loss of functional independence in later life. Furthermore, new insights into vaccine-mediated immunomodulation, including trained immunity, adjuvanted formulations, and epigenetic reprogramming, highlight the evolving role of vaccines as modulators of immune fitness across the lifespan. This first part of our review examines the intersection of aging and immunity, as well as the potential of vaccines to address these challenges. Part 2 will expand on specific vaccines, proposed vaccination schedules, and global perspectives for lifelong immunization.