Adult immunisation: misconceptions versus facts

While vaccinations remain the most effective prevention strategy to maintain immunity for a prolonged period adult immunisation remains neglectedAdult immunisation myths prevail as a result of inadequate awareness lack of an established body of official recommendations and vaccine hesitancy which contribute to reduced vaccine coverage across India For instance there are rising incidences of typhoid cases in India despite the availability of vaccines and being universally recommended This suggests adults need to be aware of immunisation as a preventive solution to effectively make use of itThe firstever adult immunisation recommendations by the Association of Physicians of India highlights the clear need for adult immunisation in IndiaNirmal Kumar Ganguly Former Director General Indian Council of Medical Research ICMR said There is potential to increase adult immunisation coverage in India To develop these evidencebased recommendations we convened a panel of healthcare experts across speciality practices ranging from Cardiology to Pulmonology Gynaecology to Nephrology The result is a comprehensive body of knowledge outlining best practices and reliable information on adult immunisation in India Through these recommendations we hope to drive a paradigm shift to ensure adult vaccinations are increasingly suggested and adoptedWhile vaccinations prevent infectious diseases prolong and improve quality of life emphasis on adult immunisation is low The recommendations by the API will help increase the awareness and equip healthcare practitioners with evidencebased information to guide vaccine recommendation and administration At Abbott we aim to continue raising awareness to protect people from vaccinepreventable diseases so they can live fuller and healthier lives says Srirupa Das Medical Director Abbott IndiaIt is important to stay informed and clear up common misconceptions around vaccines so you can make the most of your immunisation conversation with your doctorHere are five common vaccine myths and the facts to know to address them Inputs from Abbott IndiaMyth 1 Vaccines are for childrenFact Vaccinations are recommended across various stages of life As protective effects of childhood vaccines wean off over time it is vital to remain up to date on booster shots Rapid globalisation and increased frequency of international travel have raised the likelihood of adults contracting vaccinepreventable diseases including influenza Hepatitis A and B and more These can lead to higher disease burden in adults exacerbate comorbidities and are associated with higher rates of mortality in adultsThere are vaccines you should take as an adult even if you didnt take them as a child like the Diptheria Tetanus Pertussis DPT vaccine which is a booster shot recommended once every ten yearsMyth 2 Not all adults need vaccinesFact Vaccinations are an important public health strategy across the population including healthy adults and many vaccines are universally recommended These include vaccines for influenza typhoid and Hepatitis A and B which have resulted in seasonal epidemics across IndiaThere is also an increased need for certain vaccines such as the Hepatitis B one especially among atrisk populations which include people with comorbidities healthcare providers geriatrics and pregnant womenMyth 3 Vaccines cause unnecessary hassle and make me sickFact Vaccinations are beneficial and can help avoid disease burden and negative complications in the long run thus leading to better health outcomes so you can live a fuller hasslefree life Moreover vaccines dont cause illness but shortlived side effects including lowgrade fever aches or soreness which are nothing to worry about in fact it is the result of the body building an immune response to the vaccineMyth 4 Its better to get the flu naturally instead of taking a vaccine which will weaken my immune systemFact Being exposed to the flu naturally means exposing yourself to a potentially serious disease with moderate to severe symptoms including fever joint pain and cough among others This can prompt worrying complications or even progress to pneumonia respiratory failure or even morbidity particularly for those at highriskVaccination is a far safer option to protect yourself against preventable diseases and in fact strengthens your immune systemMyth 5 I took the influenza vaccine last year so I dont need it againFact Influenza viruses are constantly changing and so WHO identifies and provides latest strain recommendations annually Getting vaccinated every year is thus important to ensure optimal sustained protection against rapidly adapting influenza viruses This is vital especially considering in India where we have had pandemic outbreaks of influenza in various states including Rajasthan Maharashtra and Gujarat in 2012 2015 and 2017 Get your flu shot annually to keep yourself protectedWhat next Get your vaccine checklist in place Consult your doctor for more mythbusting indepth information so you can set a vaccination schedule in place and keep your health in checkThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever