Global landscape of COVID-19 vaccination programmes for older adults: a descriptive study

Background

To minimise severe cases and deaths from COVID-19 among high-risk populations such as older adults (aged 60 years and older), it is crucial to monitor and update vaccination strategies. In this study, we aim to provide a global profile of the current COVID-19 vaccination programmes for older adults, including vaccination policies, coverage rates, and vaccine demand.

Methods

We used publicly available data on the COVID-19 vaccines used, vaccination schedules, indicated age groups, and age-specific country-level vaccine coverage, updated through to July 20, 2024. Data on vaccination policy were extracted from publicly available sources in the following priority: (1) official sources (ie, government websites, health department websites, and official reports); (2) resources integrated by institutions or organisations (ie, European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Africa Center for Disease Prevention and Control, and COVAX); and (3) cross-validated news and media reports derived from government or health department sources. We estimated coverage gaps to achievement of two specific objectives: (1) immunising 100% of older adults with primary series and a booster dose, as per WHO’s goal; and (2) surpassing WHO’s goal by administering one extra booster dose to 80% of older adults or achieving 80% coverage of a 2023–24 series vaccine.

Findings

192 countries reported their use of COVID-19 vaccines for older people, of which 71 vaccine products have been used for older adults and 79 countries have deployed 22 vaccines containing components against variants of concern; 122 countries offered a second booster dose or a special booster dose, while others used only primary series or one booster dose. 96 countries prioritised older people for vaccination. Among countries with available data, the median proportion of individuals completing a primary series was 81% (IQR 58·3–92·0), for a first booster was 53% (14·1–81·7), for a second booster was 44·3% (13·5–69·7), and for a 2023–24 series vaccination was 23·6% (6·6–52·4), with large differences by region. Coverage of the second booster and the 2023–24 series was lower in individuals aged 60–70 years than in older age groups. To achieve the WHO target of 100% coverage for older populations with primary series and a booster dose, 1·01 doses per person are required, and to attain an 80% coverage for a second booster or 2023–24 series, surpassing WHO’s goal, 1·43 doses per person are required.

Interpretation

Progress of COVID-19 vaccination programmes for older adults is uneven across countries, emphasising an ongoing challenge to achieve vaccine equity for this high-risk age group. Therefore, it is essential to establish robust and timely vaccination surveillance systems, especially to facilitate data-driven policies that promote COVID-19 vaccination campaigns worldwide.

Funding

Key Program of the National Natural Science Foundation of China.