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Ahead of World Lung Day, observed on September 25, experts are stressing the importance of adult vaccination in reducing the incidence of lung-related illnesses across India. Vaccination, they argue, could dramatically lower the burden on an already strained healthcare system, prevent thousands of hospital admissions, and save millions in healthcare costs.
Respiratory infections remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the country, with acute respiratory infections posing a persistent challenge to public health. Vaccination, according to healthcare professionals, offers a simple yet effective method to combat these illnesses.
Dr. Arjun Khanna, Head of Pulmonary Medicine at Amrita Hospital in Faridabad, explained, “Respiratory infections are major contributors to hospital admissions for lung-related illnesses. Vaccines are an inexpensive and easy way to prevent these, saving thousands of lives and crores of rupees in healthcare costs each year.” He further emphasized the role of vaccination in preventing disease transmission and protecting vulnerable populations, including infants and immuno-compromised individuals, through herd immunity.
Populations at a higher risk of developing severe respiratory infections, such as those with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or lung conditions like asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and the elderly, stand to benefit the most from regular vaccination. Despite the clear benefits, adult vaccination rates in India remain alarmingly low, leaving millions vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases such as influenza, pneumonia, whooping cough, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection.
Dr. Khanna noted, “Vaccines can protect against common lung infections like influenza, pneumonia, whooping cough, and RSV infection, preventing severe illness and death.” He also highlighted the importance of maintaining up-to-date vaccinations, particularly for high-risk groups, advising that vaccines like the influenza vaccine, pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine, RSV vaccine (for those over 60), Tdap (for tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough), zoster (for shingles), and BCG (for tuberculosis) be administered to these vulnerable populations.
With the upcoming observance of World Lung Day, experts are calling for increased awareness and participation in adult vaccination programs. Encouraging voluntary vaccination, they argue, could lead to a healthier population, reduce the overall transmission of diseases, and ease the strain on India’s already overburdened healthcare system.
By raising awareness and boosting vaccination rates among adults, India can take significant strides toward reducing lung-related illnesses and improving public health outcomes.
