International Journal of Clinical Case Reports, 2025, Vol.15, No.5, 228-238 http://medscipublisher.com/index.php/ijccr 228 Feature Review Open Access Exploring How COVID-19 Vaccines Work and Their Reactions in Older People JianWang Zhuji Tongji Hospital, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding email: 1136425476@qq.com International Journal of Clinical Case Reports 2025, Vol.15, No.5 doi: 10.5376/ijccr.2025.15.0024 Received: 31 Jul., 2025 Accepted: 04 Sep., 2025 Published: 14 Oct., 2025 Copyright © 2025 Wang, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Wang J., 2025, Exploring how COVID-19 vaccines work and their reactions in older people, International Journal of Clinical Case Reports, 15(5): 228-238 (doi: 10.5376/ijccr.2025.15.0024) Abstract This study explored the immune response and side effects of the elderly population after vaccination against COVID-19, reviewed the existing research results, and summarized the relevant nursing observations and coping methods. As people age, the decline in immune system function may affect the immune protection effect triggered by vaccines, but getting a booster shot can significantly enhance defense capabilities. Most common adverse reactions are mild in severity and short in duration, while severe side effects are relatively rare. Individual differences among the elderly may also affect the efficacy and safety of vaccines. Effective nursing measures are crucial for ensuring vaccination safety and enhancing vaccination effectiveness. In the future, it is necessary to deeply explore personalized care strategies, strengthen the continuous training of nursing staff, and promote multi-disciplinary collaboration, so as to continuously improve the management level of COVID-19 vaccination among the elderly. Keywords COVID-19 vaccine; Elderly patients; Immune response; Adverse events; Nursing observation 1 Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has led to millions of infections and deaths worldwide, posing a significant threat to public health and the global economy. Vaccination has become the most effective and economical response to control the spread of SARS-CoV-2, save lives and protect the health of the population (Fang et al., 2022). The elderly have a higher risk of serious illness and death and have always been the key target of vaccination strategies. The research and promotion of various vaccine platforms (including mRNA vaccines, adenovirus vector vaccines, inactivated vaccines and subunit vaccines) have always been the core work in responding to pandemics (Szabó et al., 2022). Research shows that the COVID-19 vaccine can significantly reduce the infection rate and COVID-19-related mortality rate among the elderly, highlighting its crucial role in controlling the pandemic (Sharif et al., 2021; Xu et al., 2023). Evaluate the protective effect, safety, immune response, economy and actual vaccination situation of COVID-19 vaccines among different groups of people. Focus on the performance of vaccines in preventing infection, reducing severe cases and lowering the risk of death, and particularly explore the relevant situations of high-risk groups such as the elderly and those with lower immunity (Kreuzberger et al., 2022). Research and development of new vaccine technologies, monitoring of adverse reactions, and how to increase vaccination rates and alleviate public concerns about vaccines (Andreas et al., 2022; Okuyama, 2023; Zhang et al., 2023). In addition, the analysis content also includes the effect of the vaccine in practical use, the assessment of economic cost, and the possible impact of virus mutation on the protective efficacy of the vaccine (Hassine, 2021). This study will explore the technological breakthroughs brought about by the development of COVID-19 vaccines, especially the rapid progress from research and development to approval of mRNA vaccines and adenovirus vector vaccines. These new vaccine platforms not only have high production efficiency and strong adaptability, but also provide technical methods for reference in dealing with other infectious diseases in the future. This study will also analyze the reasons for giving priority to vaccinating the elderly, while emphasizing the significance of strengthening and maintaining long-term immunity. By promoting collaboration among different disciplines and global coordination, the availability of vaccines and personalized vaccination programs have been significantly improved, which can provide a solid scientific basis and advice for the prevention and control of potential future epidemics.
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