Abstract

Background and objectives Advancements in healthcare and living standards have led to increased life expectancy globally, including in South Africa. Despite considerable evidence from high-income countries that vaccination is a cost-effective strategy for healthy ageing, South Africa currently does not have a formal policy for vaccination of the elderly. This study explored the opinions, experiences and recommendations of South African stakeholders (experts and key opinion leaders) in the field of vaccines and healthy ageing. Methodology Online qualitative in-depth interviews with 16 stakeholders (vaccinologists, infectious disease specialists, policymakers, geriatricians and epidemiologists) were conducted. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, coded and analysed thematically using NVivo 12.0™ software. Results The overarching unanimous theme was that a national immunisation programme for the elderly (NIPE) is warranted. Aligned to this were the themes: (i) Immunisation schedule for the elderly; (ii) Health system NIPE readiness; and (iii) Strategies ensuring adequate vaccine uptake by the elderly. Participants recommended a coordinated NIPE, which could build on the successes of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation of South Africa (EPI-SA) and the recent COVID-19 vaccination programme. The NIPE should ideally be integrated into the existing primary healthcare (PHC) system programmes for the elderly. Concurrently, interventions to increase access to vaccines and reduce vaccine hesitancy among the elderly and their healthcare providers must be implemented. Conclusion A NIPE needs to be prioritised, understood, communicated, and implemented within EPI-SA and integrated into the PHC system. This should be accompanied by the requisite logistical and financial support for such a programme. The NIPE should build on the success and achievements of EPI-SA and the COVID-19 vaccination programme. Interventions that increase vaccine access and address vaccine hesitancy should also be implemented to enhance uptake by the elderly.