Adult immunisation: A key element of public health programs: Synopsis of Asia Pacific Adult Immunisation Meeting, Tokyo, 1-2 December 2016

ObjectivesTo (i) improve scientific knowledge and understanding of the importance of adult vaccination within a public health framework; (ii) share an understanding of the principles of good practice that have improved adult vaccination uptake rates; (iii) appreciate the diverse nature of country-specific barriers; and (iv) reach consensus on principles of a call to action to increase adult vaccination uptake rates. MethodsNon-governmental organisations, the International Federation on Ageing and Friends of International Federation on Ageing Japan, convened the Asia Pacific Adult Immunisation Meeting, herein referred to as the Asia Pacific Meeting'. ResultsDelegates identified fundamental barriers to adult vaccination similar to those reported at previous meetings in Latin America and Europe and formed a road map to respond to key barriers in countries represented at the Asia Pacific Meeting. ConclusionOlder people are uniquely vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases and therefore need to be the target of a series of actions intended to improve uptake rates in this subpopulation. Policy Impact: The Asia Pacific Adult Immunisation Meeting report will improve understanding of the scientific knowledge underpinning a life course approach to vaccination and bring to the forefront factors influencing policy that have a significant impact on adult vaccination rates. Practice Impact: A low adult vaccination uptake rate is a global health concern, and this concern resonates distinctively with front-line health-care workers who regularly interact, hold influence and have the ability to empower. The Asia Pacific Adult Immunisation Meeting report will denote areas of improvement for professionals working to increase vaccination uptake rates, specifically among older people and at-risk groups.