California Area OfficeProtecting the Circle: Vaccinations to Safeguard Our Elders
March 16, 2026
Recorded session:
Passcode: y0#+C2cr
Description:
This session will explore age-related changes in the immune system and their impact on vaccine effectiveness and risk–benefit considerations. Participants will apply current immunization recommendations to select appropriate vaccines, schedules, and precautions for older adults with common chronic conditions. Through case-based discussion, attendees will evaluate patient-specific factors—including comorbidities, immunocompromise, and vaccination history—to develop evidence-based, individualized immunization plans.
Presenter:
CAPT Holly Van Lew, PharmD, BCPS, AAHIVP, HIV/STI/HCV and Communicable Disease Pharmacy Consultant
Downloads and Resources:
PowerPoint Presentation (PDF)
RPMS BI Patch 31 - Clinical Impact and Takeaways (PDF)
Discusses how to enable several high-risk forecasters, including RSV for 60-74yrs (we are making an update to include 50-74yrs in the next few months), Shingrix 19-49yrs for immunocompromise, and pneumococcal for high-risk individuals 19 and older, among others.
Information about the Tribal Immunization Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) 6-part series:
- The next session is May 6, 2026 and will focus on measles and varicella outbreaks and using the CASE model for counseling.
Register here for the series: https://echo.zoom.us/meeting/register/mtKQniTBSZ-ud0y_6PpJUw - Resources from webinars on January 28 and March 4: Immunization ECHO | Powered by Box
- Recording January 28th on childhood immunization vaccine recommendations: https://youtu.be/vYH8tNE_1rQ
- Recording March 4th on the "presumptive" or "direct" approach to vaccine recommendations: https://youtu.be/azferGxd5cE
Information about the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) 6-part series on immunizations in elders:
- Session 1: Feb 10, 2026 - GSAenrich: The Concentric Value of Vaccination: How Vaccines are Important for Older Adults – and All of Us
- Session 2: April 14, 2026 - Webinar Registration - Zoom
