Chennai: Survey shows youth not aware of adult vaccines

CHENNAI: Despite the World Health Organisation (WHO) citing immunisation as one of the most powerful and cost-effective interventions in public health, a new survey conducted by Ipsos MORI and GlaxoSmithKlinne (GSK) finds that 41 per cent of adults are not up-to-date with the vaccines recommended for them in Chennai. Though vaccination can prevent numerous life-threatening diseases, youngsters remain unaware of adult vaccines available at government hospitals. A communication gap between healthcare professionals and adult patients on vaccination throughout life also remains a major issue that keeps youngsters uniformed on adult vaccines, say medicos.

As per the survey, 33 per cent people consider that only during outbreaks or for the ones travelling, vaccines are required for adults. While 41 per cent of the adults considered vaccination was only for babies, 30 percent believe it was not required if one is healthy. “The results of the survey highlight the crying need for awareness about adult vaccination. Though most people are familiar with the importance of vaccination in childhood, need of adult vaccination needs to be highlighted. The adult vaccination numbers are substantially low even after a recommendation from Unicef and World Bank. The main reason behind this is a lack of awareness,” said A. Vaidheesh, managing director, GSK.

Vaccinate for Life, a global campaign to improve general awareness of the benefits of vaccination throughout life, is sensitising youngsters on the need of essential vaccines and their significance. Stressing upon the need of awareness on adult vaccines, Dr Shafi Kolhapure, vice president, Medical Affairs Vaccines, said, “Immunisation is one of the most cost-effective interventions in public health and helps to prevent in-fluenza, tetanus, diphtheria, Hepatitis and other diseases.”