WFPHA’s Key Role in Shaping Vaccination Policy for Long-term Care: Insights from the IFA Meeting

On March 25, the World Federation of Public Health Associations actively participated in the “Mobilizing Vaccination Policy in Long-term Care Settings” meeting. This pivotal event, organized by the International Federation on Ageing (IFA), featured WFPHA’s Executive Manager, Dr. Marta Lomazzi, as its representative. The meeting was a gathering of thought leaders in public health, alongside experts in immunization, long-term care, and health policy, where the IFA’s study, “Improving Adult Vaccination Policy in Long-Term Care Settings,” was presented and thoroughly explored.

The discussions aimed to influence the World Health Organization’s technical guidelines by fostering communication between the vaccine, ageing, and health technical units. This effort aligns with the broader objectives of the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing and the Immunization Agenda 2030. Key goals included driving policy reform through partnerships with long-term care provider associations at the national level, influencing national ageing policy agendas by collaborating with organizations advocating for the rights of older people in long-term care, elevating the political importance of immunization within these settings to guarantee its inclusion and integration in national immunization plans and aged care strategies, and ultimately enhancing adult vaccination uptake rates in long-term care environments.

The WFPHA’s engagement in these significant discussions and initiatives underscores its deep-rooted commitment to public health. By prioritizing immunization as a strategy to prevent disease and safeguard community health, the WFPHA continues to make meaningful contributions to global health endeavors. It aspires to a future where communities, irrespective of age, enjoy comprehensive access to the protective benefits of immunization. This ongoing work highlights the WFPHA’s dedication to addressing contemporary public health challenges and its role in shaping policies that foster healthier, more resilient communities worldwide.