Authors: Stefania Maggi Giovanni Gabutti Elisabetta Franco Paolo Bonanni Michele Conversano Antonio Ferro Marzia Lazzari Alessandro Rossi Silvestro Scotti Francesco Vitale Antonio Volpi Donato Greco
Publish Date: 2015/02/05
Volume: 27, Issue: 1, Pages: 5-11
Abstract
Population aging is the demographic phenomenon characterizing all countries in the world and it is challenging the national infrastructures in particular health systems However aging itself is not associated with increased medical spending but disability and comorbidity that affect older individuals are the actual drivers for health expenditures Therefore if people age in better health medical spending may be significantly reduced Preventative interventions proved to be effective in reducing/preventing disease and disability and often found to be cost effective include diet and exercise interventions medications routine disease screenings and immunizations Vaccination can protect older citizens against lifethreatening diseases such as influenza pneumococcal infections tetanus and against diseases which adversely impact their quality of life such as herpes zoster HZ Including HZ vaccination in its citizens’ lifetime immunization calendar can reinforce Europe’s commitment toward active healthy aging This paper outlines the consensus statement of a group of Italian experts on HZThis paper reports the technical and scientific independent opinion of the group of experts involved in the Advisory Board on Herpes Zoster promoted by the Sanofi Pasteur MSD Medical and Scientific Department with the purpose of issuing a summary comprehensive report of all available evidence and expert opinions The Board would like to thank Marco Ercolani and Stefano Valente of Sanofi Pasteur MSD Medical Department for their scientific support and active cooperation The Board would like to thank Marco Ercolani and Stefano Valente of Sanofi Pasteur MSD Medical Department for their scientific support and active cooperation
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