On World Immunization Week, experts say comprehensive adult vaccination is the need of the hour

Adult immunization vaccination is recommended throughout life to prevent infectious diseases.Vaccines are of great importance as they help prevent mortality in which >25% of deaths are due to infections.

However, to reduce the cost of the health consequences of vaccine-preventable diseases, there is an urgent need to improve the willingness of adults to get immunized.In addition to that, the lack of general awareness around the issue is a significant contributor.

There is a gaping hole in the adult population not being up to date with the recommended vaccines in India.Incomplete and inadequate immunization in India against communicable diseases like the flu and pneumonia results in substantial and unnecessary costs for hospitalization and treatment.

In this years World Immunization Week, the myths and misinformation surrounding the immunization program need to be done away.Most of the countrys population believes that vaccinations are only for babies and not for adults who are fit.This perspective needs to change rapidly.

An increase in focus on adult immunization is the need of the hour."India is a country where Adult Vaccination is not even 2-3% marked.

The adult vaccination program has not reached a significant population and hence needs to understand that a proper vaccination schedule will prevent hospitalization.This is the right time to pitch in and educate the common man in preventing serious complications of illness.

With India being the diabetic capital of the world and the COPD capital of the world, these are the two major diseases which make the Indian population susceptible to disease.Diseases like H1N1 can cause catastrophic complications, pneumococcal infections, and HepB is extremely rampant.These complications are completely vaccine preventive." – Dr.Vijay Kumar Chennamchetty, Pulmonologist at Apollo Jubilee Hills.Diphtheria and tetanus should also be taken to prevent mortality and morbidity, maximizing the reach of vaccination to the general public.

The importance of immunization like the flu vaccine is very low in India compared to the west.Child immunization remains the top priority for the Government of India and the WHO, and for a good reason; children being socially more active are more susceptible to communicable diseases.

"Vaccination plays an important role in keeping the child healthy.However, all vaccines need to be discussed with their doctors and follow The Indian academy of paediatrics guidelines.

Prevention is better than treatment and up to date vaccines.Respiratory infections such as pneumococcal disease or pneumonia and flu are leading causes of missed school days.

With the parents being up to date with vaccines, it would decrease the leading cause of communicable diseases to remain updated as Pneumonia is the most common cause of death in kids under the age of 5-year-olds which is being majorly caused by pneumococcal bacteria." – said Dr.M.Surendranath, Paediatrician.Diphtheria and whooping cough are seen as common with Pneumonia and Flu.

However, these can be avoided with the available seasonal flu vaccine, which can immunize the kids in the form of an annual dose.Many of the vaccines people receive as children to create immunities to infectious diseases last a lifetime, but not all of them.

Some are tetanus and diphtheria vaccines that need to be updated with booster shots every 10 years to maintain immunity.It is imperative to be aware and willing to immunize against the diseases with the vaccines available on the market with a significant chance of living a disease-free life.

All it requires is the right vaccine at the right time.