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INTRODUCTION
Prevention of disease rather than its treatment is the most
cost-effective option for protecting and promoting health of the people. The
same can be achieved through immunisation. Child Immunisation is a
well-recognised and implemented strategy utilised for Vaccine preventable
diseases [1]. Though we are prioritising and focusing our resources on making
child Immunisation a complete success story, at the same time are ignoring
equally important area of adult immunisation. It continues to remain least prioritised
and most ignored .In developing countries, communicable diseases contribute to
a large burden of morbidity, mortality and disability [2]. At the same time
Urbanisation, increased life expectancy, Globalisation, local and foreign
travels have again increased the need for Adult Vaccination. Therefore focusing
on the neglected domain of Adult Immunisation is the need of hour after taking
consideration of vaccine safety, efficacy and cost issues (Table 1).
Major Obstacles in
Adult Immunisation
1. Preventable
Diseases are significant health problems.
2. Lack
of awareness about Adult Immunisation. There is a general perception that
vaccination is related to childhood only.
3. Doubts
about efficacy and safety of vaccines for adults.
4. Difficulty
to convince and access healthy Poor perception of not only general population
but of Health Care Providers as well that adult Vaccine adults for vaccination.
Strategies to
Promote Adult Immunisation
1. Enhancing
and improving sensitisation and awareness regarding need for and benefits of
Adult Immunisation.
2. Capacity
building and chalking out strategies to deliver vaccines to adults. Exploring
opportunities for ensuring vaccination of adults.
3. Political
will for sparing a portion of budget on the adult vaccination.
4. Exploring
various health financing mechanisms to kick start a sustainable Adult
Immunisation.
Though there are Paediatric guidelines given by IAP and the National
Immunisation Programs, there is variation from region to region in guidelines
for Adult Immunisation. The major guidelines are:
1. The
Advisory committee on Immunisation Practices (ACIP) guidelines from centres for
Disease control and prevention.
2. WHO
guidelines.
CONCLUSION
1. Expert Group of the Association of
Physicians of India on Adult Immunisation in India (2009) The Association of
Physicians of India, evidence based clinical practice guidelines on adult
immunisation. JAPI 57: 345-356.
2. CDC Guidelines Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (2012) Recommended adult immunization schedule - United
States, 2012. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 61: 1-7.
3. Muruganathan A, Mathai D, Sharma
SK (2014) Adult immunization. JAPI 2014: 1-270.