Lifelong Vaccination: Why It Matters in India
Every year on 10 November, the world observes World Immunisation Day to highlight the power of vaccines in saving lives. Recently in India, doctors reminded us that immunisation is not just for childhood, but for life — from “cradle to cane”.
What’s the Situation in India Right Now?
According to a news report from Telangana:
The national programme, Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) covers infants/newborns against 12 preventable diseases.
The government had launched Mission Indradhanush in 2014 aiming to get 90 % full immunisation coverage, especially in areas with low reach.
In India, DTP3 (Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis, 3 doses) national coverage is around 94 % — a strong sign.
However, the same report states that in Telangana the child immunisation rate is about 67 % — showing regional gap.
Doctors warn that immunisation should be seen “from cradle to cane” because at each life‐stage, there are vaccine needs.
Takeaway: We have made good progress in childhood vaccines. But the message now is: vaccination should not stop after childhood. Adult immunisation is gaining attention.
Why Adult (and Life-long) Vaccination Is Important
Here are key reasons:
1. Waning immunity – Immunity conferred in childhood may reduce over time. The adult body may also face new threats (e.g., Pneumococcus, Influenza, Herpes Zoster).
2. Changing disease burden – India faces a dual burden: infectious diseases + non-communicable diseases. Adult infections still cause serious problems.
3. High-risk groups – Older adults, people with chronic diseases (diabetes, lung/heart issues), pregnant women, health-workers all have increased vulnerability.
4. Economic cost – Vaccine-preventable diseases impose costs (medical treatment, hospitalisation, lost work). Prevention is more cost-effective.
5. Public health benefit – Higher vaccine coverage reduces disease spread, protects vulnerable persons, can help avoid outbreaks.
What Vaccines Should Indian Adults Be Aware Of?
While childhood immunisation is well covered under UIP, adult vaccination in India has been less systematic. Still, guidelines exist and are evolving.
Here are some important ones for adults:
- Influenza (flu) vaccine – especially older adults or those with chronic conditions.
- Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis booster (Td/Tdap) every 10 years.
- Hepatitis B vaccine – if missed earlier.
- Pneumococcal vaccine – older adults, those with lung/heart problems.
- HPV vaccine – for men & women (up to certain age), to prevent cervical and other cancers.
- Shingles (Herpes Zoster) vaccine – older age groups.
- COVID-19 boosters – as per national guidelines.
Important Note: Not all vaccines are yet part of the national universal adult schedule; implementation and uptake vary widely by state and awareness.
India’s Challenges and What We Should Watch Out For
Here are some of the hurdles and what that means for us:
Awareness is low — Many adults believe vaccines are “only for children”.
Coverage gaps — As seen in the Telangana example (67 % child rate) there are regional and socio-economic gaps.
Cost & accessibility — Adult vaccines may not always be free/covered; private cost can be an issue.
Vaccine hesitancy — Misconceptions about safety, side-effects, need for adult vaccines.
Implementation — Health-systems need to integrate adult immunisation sessions, reminders, adult vaccination clinics.
What You Can Do: Practical Steps
Here’s a simple checklist for individual/household action:
✅ Check your (and your family’s) vaccination history. Have I/my parents/elders had booster shots (e.g., Td) after childhood?
✅ If you missed certain vaccines, consult a qualified physician or immunisation clinic about adult vaccine options.
✅ Especially if you fall into a higher risk category (50+, chronic disease, pregnant, health-worker) ask your doctor about the extra vaccines (flu, pneumococcal, shingles).
✅ Keep your vaccination records in one place (digital/print) so you know when your next shots/booster are due.
✅ Spread awareness in your circle: many still assume “vaccines for kids only”—help correct that.
✅ Choose credible sources: official health-department, medical societies, peer-reviewed guidelines.
✅ Don’t rely on hearsay or only social media for vaccine advice.
✅ Stay updated with state/local guidelines: different states may have different priority programmes, availability, subsidised vaccines.
✅ For elders: make sure transportation, accessibility, cost are considered (mobile clinics, local PHC etc).
Immunisation isn’t a “one-time job” done in infancy. As doctors in India are reminding us: the cycle of vaccine-protection should ideally span our entire lifetime, from cradle to cane.
By being aware, asking the right questions and acting proactively, you and your loved ones can reduce the risk of many preventable diseases. That’s smart advice indeed — for your health, for your family, for your community.