Immunosenescence is the gradual deterioration of the immune system caused by advancing age. It is associated with a reduced ability to respond to infections and develop long-term immune memory. It plays a key role in the development of respiratory diseases that are more common in older people, such as asthma, COPD, diffuse interstitial disease and respiratory infections in the elderly.
We call immune fitness the establishment of lifestyle habits that can improve our immune capacity. We now know that good eating habits, good social relationships, not smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, exercising, controlling stress levels and establishing a proper vaccination programme can slow down the process of immunosenescence.
Influenza and pneumococcal vaccines (PCV13 and PPSV23 conjugate) are well established in the adult vaccination schedule. The new pneumococcal vaccines PCV15 and PCV20 will help to extend protection against pneumococcal disease in adults. The vaccine against COVID-19 is currently the most useful tool to prevent the disease and reduce its pathogenicity. COPD patients and others with respiratory diseases may benefit from prevention of herpes zoster and Bordetella pertussis through vaccination. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine may be another vaccine to be added to the schedule, pending the results of its studies.
