Adult vaccination is largely a neglected subject today. In India, few people are aware of its importance, and even fewer speak to their doctor to get the vaccines they need. The current pandemic has generated a great deal of talk about the value of vaccines and piqued our interest in the subject of vaccination. The coronavirus has made this an issue of global importance. However, we must remember that vaccines are not just for pandemic infections like Covid-19. So, while we wait for a vaccine specifically against the coronavirus, it is important that we take advantage of the vaccines already available to protect our respiratory system and overall health.
Many vaccines have been identified as of value for adults, but all adults do not necessarily need all vaccines. The available vaccines include the pneumococcal vaccine, influenza vaccine, diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus vaccine, measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, hepatitis A and B vaccines, herpes vaccine, human papillomavirus vaccine, meningococcal vaccine, typhoid vaccine, and varicella (chicken pox) vaccine. We take some of these vaccines during childhood but may need a booster dose during adulthood to strengthen our immunity. Other vaccines help protect people from infections that they are particularly vulnerable to during adulthood, because of a weaker immune system or other underlying medical conditions.
Vaccines are particularly important for those with comorbid conditions such as heart disease or diabetes, pregnant women and healthcare workers. Every adult should talk to their doctor to find out what vaccines they need, depending on their age and medical conditions.
Respiratory infections and vaccination
In the current Covid-19 situation, the pneumococcal vaccine and influenza vaccine assume greater importance than ever before because of their protective role in respiratory diseases. Now is the time for people to do whatever they can to stay healthy and not succumb to any respiratory illness which may require hospitalization, so that they do not overwhelm the already stretched healthcare system. A patient who is admitted to a hospital with a serious pneumococcal lung infection or influenza-like illness is likely to be grouped together with Covid-19 patients, because the symptoms cannot be distinguished before testing is done. This can increase a person’s risk for a double infection and more serious complications.
For this reason, it is important for all adults and in particular those over the age of 60 years to protect their respiratory health by taking these two vaccines, in consultation with their doctor. The pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for people over the age of 50 years, while the flu vaccine can be taken by all but must be taken every year.
Reimagining adult vaccination
The pneumococcal and flu vaccines are safe and must be recommended as a priority. People who need vaccination urgently are likely to be amongst those who are most vulnerable to Covid-19. For this reason, we need to be cautious in our approach to provide the vaccination facility for our patients. As the lockdown begins to ease around the country and more clinics start to open, there could be a rush of patients and the danger of overcrowding in clinics. I believe doctors should set up a dedicated system for patients to call ahead of a visit and then come at a specific time during the week or month to get their vaccinations. If feasible, the outpatient departments of hospitals should also have a dedicated cordoned off vaccination centre to cater to adults. I encourage readers to talk to their doctors about vaccination and take the necessary steps to protect their health and the health of those around them.
Dr Subramanian Swaminathan is the Director of Infectious Diseases, Gleneagles Global Hospitals
