Adult Vaccination Status in the Elderly Population: A Cross-Sectional Evaluation

Background Vaccination is a cornerstone of preventive medicine; however, adult vaccination coverage remains suboptimal, particularly among older populations. Age-related immunosenescence, the high burden of chronic diseases, and increased susceptibility to severe infections underscore the importance of adult immunization in individuals aged 65 years and older. Aims This study aimed to evaluate adult vaccination status among individuals aged ≥65 years, identify factors influencing vaccination decisions, and assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on vaccination behaviors. Methods This single-center, descriptive study was conducted in the vaccination outpatient clinics of a tertiary training and research hospital. A total of 1,800 individuals aged ≥65 years were included. Data were collected through face-to-face questionnaires covering sociodemographic characteristics, chronic diseases, adult vaccination status, reasons for vaccination, and pandemic-related changes in attitudes. Vaccines routinely recommended for older adults—seasonal influenza, pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), COVID-19, tetanus–diphtheria (Td), and herpes zoster—were evaluated. Categorical variables were analyzed using chi-square tests. Results The highest vaccination rates were observed for PCV (46.7%) and seasonal influenza (33.2%), while herpes zoster vaccination was extremely low (0.6%). Vaccination rates were significantly higher among individuals with higher educational levels, chronic diseases, and those who believed in vaccine effectiveness (p<0.05). The COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased acceptance of influenza and pneumococcal vaccines, with post-pandemic pneumococcal vaccination rates nearly doubling compared with the pre-pandemic period. Discussion Findings indicate persistent gaps in adult immunization coverage, despite improved awareness during the pandemic, particularly for vaccines other than influenza and pneumococcal vaccines. Conclusions Adult vaccination rates among older individuals remain below target levels. Strengthening health literacy, reinforcing physician recommendations, and sustaining pandemic-related awareness may improve adult immunization, especially for underutilized vaccines such as herpes zoster.