Flu Vaccine: Only 2% of adults get the flu vaccine! A doctor explains why adult vaccination is crucial...

India has launched numerous government campaigns to vaccinate children, which have been successful. However, when it comes to adults, the picture is different. Immunity gradually declines with age, increasing the risk of infection in the elderly and those with chronic illnesses. Despite this, awareness about adult vaccination in India remains extremely low. Dr. Sanjeev Gulati (Principal Director - Nephrology and Kidney Transplant, Fortis Group of Hospitals, NCR) says that the time has come to seriously address this issue.

A rapidly aging population and new challenges
A report by the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that the global elderly population (above 60 years of age) will double by 2050, with approximately 80% of these individuals living in low- and middle-income countries like India. This changing demographic structure is also accompanied by a rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease.

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People with these conditions are at a significantly higher risk of infection. For example, people with diabetes are more susceptible to illnesses like the flu or shingles. Furthermore, these infections often exacerbate chronic illnesses.

Why is the adult vaccination situation in India concerning?
India's vaccination program is one of the largest in the world, but adult vaccination remains a priority in health policy. Many people still believe that "vaccines are only for children." This perception is a major obstacle.

Due to a lack of awareness, the absence of government policy, and limited health infrastructure, adult vaccination coverage remains very low. Statistics show that less than 2% of people over 45 years of age receive the flu vaccine.

The Impact of Low Vaccination
Lack of vaccination not only promotes disease but also increases economic burden. When an elderly person contracts an illness like pneumonia or the flu, they may need to be hospitalized. In India, where most people bear the cost of treatment themselves, such illnesses can shake a family's financial stability.

These illnesses often cause long-term pain, fatigue, weight loss, and mental stress. For example, shingles (Herpes Zoster) is a disease that causes intense pain—so much so that even the slightest touch of clothing becomes unbearable.

Infections have a profound impact on the elderly and the sick.
The body's immune system declines with age. This is why people over 50 are at greater risk for illnesses like shingles, flu, and pneumonia. People with shingles often develop a complication called "post-herpetic neuralgia," a condition characterized by persistent nerve pain.

Similarly, the flu (influenza) is not just a "seasonal cold" for the elderly. It increases the risk of heart attack by 3 to 5 times and the risk of stroke by 2 to 3 times in heart patients.

Non-communicable diseases and infection have a two-way relationship.
Diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory diseases weaken the body's immunity, making a person more susceptible to infection. Furthermore, when infection occurs, these chronic diseases worsen. For example, diabetic patients have a 38% higher risk of developing shingles after chickenpox, and their blood sugar levels are more likely to be out of control during shingles.

Preventative, not reactive, healthcare is needed.
India must now move towards "prevention before illness" rather than "treatment after." To achieve this, a national adult vaccination policy should be developed that includes vaccines such as influenza, pneumococcal infection, shingles, hepatitis B, and tetanus.

Special “Adult Vaccination Clinics” can be established in hospitals and clinics, where patients with diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease can receive vaccinations along with their regular checkups.

Also, awareness campaigns are needed among both doctors and the public to ensure that vaccination is not just for children, but a vital part of healthy aging.

For India's growing elderly population, adult vaccination should be viewed as a necessity, not an “option.” It not only protects against infections but also reduces the burden of chronic diseases, keeping older adults healthier, more active, and more self-reliant.

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