Vaccine crisis in Hyderabad: Low adult vaccination threatens lives of seniors

A new API survey shows that only 4 per cent of adults above 50 in Hyderabad are vaccinated, largely due to low awareness, perceived high costs and dependence on informal advice. Experts warn that seniors remain vulnerable to preventable illnesses like pneumonia, flu and shingles

Hyderabad: It is quite shocking, but a recent survey has indicated that only 4 percent of adults over 50 years of age in Hyderabad have received adult vaccines. There is a severe lack of knowledge among individuals of this age group over the utilisation of such adult vaccines, which would go a long way in reducing morbidity and mortality, the study said.

The survey conducted by the Association of Physicians of India (API), which was led by a senior endocrinologist from Hyderabad, Dr Bipin Sethi, said that only 53 per cent of the aging adults were aware of the effectiveness of adult vaccines in preventing serious illness.

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There is a lack of knowledge regarding the existence of such vaccine shots, as a significant 73 per cent of adults and 74 per cent of their caregivers reported not being aware that vaccines exclusively for adults are even available. This awareness gap extends to healthcare workers also, with only 12 per cent of caregivers having administered adult vaccines to their parents or in-laws.

The survey said that while the concept of childhood immunization is firmly established, adults rarely receive any vaccine other than the customary tetanus shot, Hepatitis B, or anti-rabies and pre-travel vaccines.

Dr Sethi and other members of the API pointed out that individuals above 50 years must be made aware of the availability of vaccines for serious ailments like pneumonia, flu, Hepatitis B, and shingles.

He stressed that the efficacy and safety are well established, and the cost should be measured against the protection offered, particularly to vulnerable patients with decreased immunity, such as diabetics.

The study also identified key barriers to getting vaccinated. Financial concerns are prominent, with 67 per cent of adults and 82 per cent of caregivers feeling that adult vaccines are expensive. Furthermore, while 81 per cent of adults would trust their doctor‘s recommendation and 81 per cent depend on their caregivers to suggest the vaccine, 68 per cent also check with friends and family before deciding, highlighting the influence of informal networks.