Immunizations in adults: a look at special populations

Vaccines are synthetic biological products designed for the prevention of infectious diseases. After potable drinking water, they are the most effective public health measure in reducing mortality and other consequences caused by vaccine-preventable diseases. In Chile, they accompany us throughout our life cycle through the National Immunization Program (PNI), created in 1979 and constantly undergoing change and improvements in order to ensure safe and free access to vaccines to the general population. There are certain clinical conditions, however, that exacerbate the acquisition and/or severity of vaccine-preventable diseases. These special populations are on the rise. In this context, the objective of this review is to provide current guidelines for the immunization of these particular groups of patients.