Changing the Conversation on Influenza Vaccination is a series of investigations in 10 countries on the nature and delivery of public communication and messages around adult influenza vaccination. Findings show not only gaps in messages to targeted audience but
a worrying lack of interactive engagement, and many campaigns buried in websites rather than implementing outward-facing strategies. This must change!
Read with interest about the IFA ‘Influenza Campaign Barometer’ and conceptual framework for effective adult influenza communication campaign along with the
guidance provided for influential message design and dissemination.
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The Expert Meeting on "Changing the Conversation on Adult Influenza Vaccination"
was convened on 16 September 2020 to highlight and deliberate the findings from this ground-breaking study series focused on strategies to improve the uptake rates of adult vaccination, with special attention to older adults and those living with chronic conditions.
IFA hopes to work together with meeting experts, members of the IFA World Coalition on Adult Vaccination, partners and collaborators to form tangible actions that can be taken forward to address gaps in adult vaccination campaigns including influenza, pneumococcal pneumonia, shingles, pertussis and even tdap.
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The Board of the International Federation on Ageing, in accordance with the corporation bylaws, welcomes full members to the Annual Members Meeting held virtually on the 11th November 2020 commencing at 7:00am EST. Join with members from around the world in driving the agenda of the world’s ageing population where the rights of older people are both both protected and respected. |
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The NGO Committee on Ageing and UN DESA invite you to the 30th Anniversary of the Annual Celebration of the United Nations International Day of Older Persons, with the theme "Pandemics: Do they change how we address age & ageing?"
In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the United Nations (UN) and the 30th Anniversary of the UN International Day of Older Persons (UNIDOP), this inaugural virtual celebration unites UN officials and leaders in the fields of ageing and beyond to address the call to action for a Decade of Healthy Ageing 2020-2030.
Registration is now open, while the program including photos and bios of speakers along with a list of sponsors will be available in early September.
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IFA Virtual Town Hall Series: COVID-19 and Older People
Alongside friends and colleagues working in the field with and on behalf of millions of older people and those most vulnerable, the IFA's Virtual Town Halls are an opportunity to share challenges and best practices related to COVID-19 and older people.
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Find recordings and resources from previous Town Halls here. |
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Join for the next Virtual Town Hall –
COVID-19 and Older People: Addressing Inequalities of Older LGBTQ People
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Biosimilars in Opthalmology
The Canadian discourse on biosimilars in ophthalmology is newly emerging. However the evolution of biosimilars in other therapeutic areas has demonstrated that awareness and in effect confidence of health care providers and patients are predicated upon an informed consultation and education about treatment options.
The International Federation on Ageing (IFA) is pleased to share new resources that may contribute to a deeper understanding of biosimilars in ophthalmology in Canada. To learn more and become involved in the emerging conversation visit www.EyeSeeYou.care
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IFA Directors – Call for
Expressions of Interest
On behalf of Ms Kari Henley, Chair of the IFA Nominating Committee and in accordance with the corporation bylaws expressions of interest are called from full IFA members to be considered for the slate of candidates for elections to the Board of Directors.
The IFA is an international NGO that drive the agenda for the world’s population ageing. We believe that members, including government, NGOs, industry, and individuals, form strong networks to help shape and influence policy and good practices and look forward to your interest by the 7th October 2020. Please click on this link to learn more about the process and statement of candidacy
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Immunization is one of the most effective public health interventions against vaccine preventable diseases (VPD) such as influenza, pneumococcal pneumonia, shingles and even pertussis yet thousands of Canadians suffer each year a considerable loss of function and autonomy, and even death. Towards ensuring that all Canadians have access to the most safe, effective and appropriate influenza vaccines for their needs, the IFA is delighted to invite your participation in two virtual meetings addressing issues of access and equity in Canada’s adult influenza vaccination programs. |
Members of the Immunisation for All Ages (IFAA) initiative, funded by Pfizer, are hosting this webinar as part of the Global Immunisation Agenda series on Thursday 8th October 2020 exploring how we can work together to raise awareness and help to implement the global immunisation agenda for all ages. Join this webinar and hear from an expert panel on Driving Policy to Action.
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Highlighting good practices and emerging issues within the DR Barometer Community is important for its growth and learning. In view of the unprecedented global impact of COVID-19 on the lives and functioning of people with chronic conditions, the DR Global Advisory Committee (GAC) is calling on the DR Barometer Community to share innovations and actions as they relate to the needs of those living with diabetic eye complications in the context of this global pandemic.
The DR Barometer Community provides a unique opportunity and platform to exchange information and learnings related to vision complications associated with diabetes. Have your say by contributing to the Fall 2020 newsletter.
Please submit your article (no more than 300 words) by 16 October 2020.
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Strengthening Older People’s Rights in Times of Digitalisation – Lessons learned from COVID-19 |
The German Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, AGE Platform Europe and BAGSO (German National Association of Senior Citizens’ Organisations) are pleased to invite you to a jointly organised online conference “Strengthening Older People’s Rights in Times of Digitalisation – Lessons learned from COVID-19” on 28-29 September 2020.
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that digitalisation offers great opportunities for participation and self-determined life in old age, especially under difficult circumstances. Therefore, the online conference with high ranking speakers focuses on strengthening older people’s rights in times of digitalisation.
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The Virtual Commonwealth Elders Forum is hosting a webinar which will:
- Recognise the impact of COVID-19 on the well-being and dignity of older persons across the Commonwealth
- Raise awareness of ageism, stigma and discrimination against older people in the COVID-19 response and the need to foster intergenerational connections across the Commonwealth
- Reflect on how The Commonwealth needs to adapt to ensure the rights of its citizens of all ages are respected
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What has the greatest impact on your decision to get an influenza vaccination?
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Evidence supporting the vaccine's efficacy
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Each week the IFA highlights experts on a variety of relevant topics in spotlight articles. Here are some of the latest: |
Rates of undiagnosed hearing and vision loss are striking. Let IFA's newest expert explain the impact this is having on older adults. |
Did you know that the IFA has a “virtual expert centre,” that features thought leaders and special experts in policy, research and practice in fields associated with population ageing.
Visit the IFA's Experts with the most recently updated profile:
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Dr. Heather E. Whitson
Director, Duke Aging Center
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Doug Earle
President & CEO at Fighting Blindness Canada
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International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics: 30th Anniversary Celebration of the UN International Day of the Older Person |
Correctional Services Canada is looking to gain knowledge regarding the best practices in inmate patient and health care advisory councils/ committees. What are the roles, mandates and responsibilities? What is the membership selection criteria? Have examples? Please get in touch with Sandra.
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The 15th Global Conference on Ageing will now be taking place from 10-12 November 2021. To align with the Decade of Healthy Ageing 2020-2030, underpinned through a rights-based approach, the IFA has reshaped the conference structure around 5 themes: Combatting ageism, Age-friendly communities, Primary care, Long-term care and Older people and pandemics.
The results of the August VoltAGE poll show that 29% of those who responded are most interested in the theme of Age-friendly communities. Under this theme, abstracts can be submitted to three sub-themes:
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Anna Sangster joined the IFA team in 2019 and began work on the ground-breaking DR Barometer Program. Anna now proudly oversees the IFA’s work in vision health and is thrilled to be leading the IFA’s work with the WHO Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities. Additionally, Anna is looking forward to embarking on a new vaccine-related initiative towards ending immunization inequity.
Originally from Ottawa, Anna moved to Toronto prior to her undergraduate studies and has enjoyed making the city her new home. Anna is a committed, curious and determined individual and enjoys bringing these qualities but good humour and compassion forward to the IFA team.
In her free time Anna loves visiting family, finding new recipes to tackle in the kitchen and exploring the St Lawrence Market on Saturday mornings with a coffee in hand.
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Ms Yifan Zheng joined the IFA team as a Project Officer in August 2019, leading the “Changing the Conversation on Adult Influenza Vaccination” project and DR Barometer program.
Originally from China, Yifan grew up in a southwestern province. She moved to Toronto in 2017 for graduate studies at the University of Toronto, where she completed the Master's of Public Health (MPH) program with a specialization in Health Promotion and Aging Across the Life Couse. Working as a Project Officer at IFA is Yifan's first job after university and she learned a lot from this position.
Outside of work, Yifan devotes herself to learning and enhancing English. She enjoys travelling, watching movies and she is a die-hard foodie who will travel all over the city to find authentic cuisine.
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