Older persons are a population that is vulnerable to various diseases as well as negative effects of environmental risk factors. Changes in their immune system contribute to increased frequency and severity of infections. Every year, more adults worldwide suffer from serious health problems for which vaccines are available. One of the factors in increasing life expectancy is the reduction of infectious diseases as a cause of morbidity and mortality. The aim of our research was to study perspectives of older persons on the necessity for health awareness on COVID-19 vaccine prevention, their willingness to be vaccinated and the reasons for hesitancy or refusal to vaccinate. Survey, interview, observation, analysis of scientific literature, statistics from regional databases, were the materials and methods that we used to conduct our study. In the period July-August 2022, we conducted a survey among 63 older persons from Stara Zagora, consisting of questions, aimed at the demographic data of the respondents, their awareness of the recommended COVID-19 vaccines, the reasons for refusing a vaccine, and the personal contribution of each of them to the protection of public health. The results that we obtained were as follows: According to statistics, 23.9% of the sample in the Stara Zagora region received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccination between March 2020 and March 2021. Our survey shows an approximate coverage of those vaccinated against the disease. The analyzed sample reveals that nearly half (29.46%) of older persons have received a COVID-19 vaccine. The main reason why the surveyed older persons would not undertake vaccination was the lack of health awareness in (15.33%), uncertainty in vaccine effectiveness (9.20%), concern about the presence of side effects (23.51%). Those who would not recommend vaccination to relatives and friends were not a small percentage (23.51%). 29.46% of respondents would like to be informed about vaccine prevention against COVID-19, preferring to receive the information in the form of a health talk from a specialist in the field. We concluded that the health awareness of older persons about vaccine prevention would help to increase their motivation to vaccinate. Vaccination is the most effective strategy for preventing a number of infectious diseases, facilitating healthy aging and guaranteeing the maintenance of collective immunity at a high level.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a significant public health challenge due to dynamic epidemiological and behavioral shifts. The diversity of pathogens necessitates complex strategies for screening, diagnosis, and prevention, supported by health education and counseling to mitigate risky sexual behaviors. This narrative review aims to systematize and analyze the educational and counseling competencies of midwives in the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) across the distinct stages of a woman's life course. The professional role of the midwife in STI prevention is grounded in clinical knowledge and counseling skills that support women in maintaining optimal sexual and reproductive health. During puberty, age-appropriate history-taking and sensitive communication facilitate the provision of critical information regarding STIs, HPV, and early prophylaxis. Furthermore, STI prevention is vital for ensuring safe pregnancy and childbirth outcomes, with midwifery competencies directly influencing the development of health literacy, informed sexual behavior, and responsible health practices among young people. In early reproductive age, clinical counseling fosters sustainable health habits and responsible attitudes, thereby preserving vital reproductive functions. Particular emphasis is placed on regular prophylactic gynecological check-ups, which enable the early identification of infections and functional anomalies, supporting long-term gynecological well-being. Ultimately, comprehensive care for women of reproductive age incorporates structured professional support to sustain sexual health and strengthen community-based infection prevention.