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Adult Vaccination Remains Low; Elderly Miss Coverage Against Flu and Shingles
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What Happened?
Despite the availability of vaccines, adult vaccination rates in India remain low, particularly among the elderly. A study shows only 1.4% of older adults have received the influenza vaccine.
Key points
- A multicentre study found only 1.4% of people aged 60 and above received an influenza vaccine.
- 19.7% of older adults had heard of influenza, and 35.9% considered vaccines safe.
- Vaccination uptake increased to 29.7% when offered free at community health camps.
- Influenza accounted for 5.3 million infections and 84,613 deaths among older Indians in 2021.
- Annual vaccination could reduce influenza-related pneumonia cases by 52% and deaths by 70%.
- Goa's Life-course Immunisation Policy aims to expand vaccination for the elderly.
Key insights
- Improving awareness and access to vaccines could significantly reduce health complications in older adults.
- The economic value of pneumococcal vaccination suggests potential cost savings in healthcare.
- Expanding vaccination programs may help mitigate the burden of preventable diseases among the elderly.
Why it matters
Low vaccination rates among the elderly could lead to increased health risks and hospitalizations.
Source
Times of India
