Deutsche medizinische Wochenschrift
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Immunosenescence leads to an increasing susceptibility to infections. Therefore, vaccination is an essential element of prevention. The recommendations of the permanent vaccination commission (STIKO), a committee at the Robert-Koch-Institute, affiliated to the German Government, are updated every year and include a particular section dealing with older adults. ⋯ New vaccines are under development, that are more immunogenic and therefore more effective (e. g. pneumococcal vaccine) or that prevent infections for which a vaccine was previously not available (e. g. norovirus vaccine).
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Since its outbreak, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly resulted in a global pandemic. Underlying cardiovascular disease (CVD) is associated with severe COVID-19 infection and adverse clinical outcomes. While COVID-19 predominantly causes respiratory symptoms, a substantial number of patients eventually develop an acute cardiovascular syndrome associated with an excessive risk of mortality. ⋯ In times of rigorous public health measures such as social distancing, efforts should be undertaken to ensure timely treatment of acute CVD and continuation of guideline-directed treatment in order to avoid an increase in morbidity and mortality. In addition to its acute complications, COVID-19 is likely to be associated with long-term cardiovascular damage. Consequently, for a subgroup of patients a long-term management strategy is needed.