Causes and consequences of undervaccination in adults
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Despite progress in adult vaccination schedules, coverage rates remain suboptimal in Spain. This opinion paper, authored by a multidisciplinary group of experts, analyzes the causes and consequences of adult undervaccination, covering clinical, social, economic, and ethical aspects. Over 10 million individuals aged 65+ are targeted for vaccination, along with adults with chronic illnesses. However, coverage remains low, with significant disparities across vaccines, regions, and risk groups. The causes of the "vaccination gap" include lack of training among healthcare professionals, organizational barriers, misinformation, low-risk perception among the public, and weak institutional engagement. This situation leads to increased morbidity, mortality, and avoidable costs for the healthcare system. Universal adult vaccination could significantly reduce these burdens. The document outlines structured solutions: targeted professional training, multicomponent strategies, centralized vaccination registries, effective public awareness campaigns, improved access, and integration of vaccination across all healthcare levels. The key role of healthcare workers, patient organizations, and the media is emphasized in improving vaccination coverage.
Authors: Ángel Gil-de-Miguel, José Antonio Navarro-Alonso, María Pilar Arrazola-Martínez, David Cantarero, Manuel Arellano, Alejandro Cremades-Bernabéu, María Fernández-Prada, Ruth Gil-Prieto, Diego Gracia, Elena Martínez-Palancar, Jaime Jesús Pérez-Martín, Esther Redondo-Margüello, Nieves Sebastián, Natividad Tolosa-Martínez, Emilio Bouza
Institutions: Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Ministry of Health, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Hospital Universitario 12 De Octubre, Universidad de Cantabria, Generalitat Valenciana, Universidad de Oviedo, Hospital Vital Álvarez-Buylla, Comunidad Autónoma de la Región de Murcia, Ayuntamiento de Madrid, Madrid Health Service, Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red
Language: English
Subfield: Health
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4416105981