Pfizer, Yashoda Hospitals to set up Adult Vaccination Centre in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Yashoda Hospital in collaboration with Pfizer India, has launched a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for adult vaccination in Secunderabad. The CoE, established at Yashoda Hospital, aims to increase the adoption of adult vaccination by creating an end-to-end ecosystem within the hospital to protect patients against vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs).

The CoE will help overcome barriers in adult vaccination by empowering and enabling healthcare professionals (HCPs) and patients with information about the long-lasting benefits of vaccination, especially for individuals with comorbidities, advanced age, occupational hazards, and lifestyle-related disorders. It will prioritize vaccination efforts for those who are at a higher risk of contracting the diseases. The centres will immunize against various vaccine-preventable diseases such as Pneumococcal disease, Hepatitis A and B, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), Influenza, and more.

Following the inauguration of the CoE, a scientific summit was organised for healthcare professionals led by Dr Hari Kishan G, Consultant Pulmonologist and Dr Monalisa Sahu, Infectious disease specialist. The session included insights into Yashoda's vision for the Adult Vaccination Center of Excellence, a focus on prioritizing pneumococcal vaccination for at-risk groups by Dr. Hari Kishan Gonuguntla, Consultant Interventional Pulmonologist at Yashoda Hospitals and a panel discussion with esteemed healthcare professionals.

Dr Pavan Gorukanti , Director from Yashoda Hospital, shared, “Yashoda hospitals is proud to be the front runner in space of vaccination and preventive care. While, vaccination is well-established for children, it's equally critical for adults, given comorbidities and age-related immunity decline, especially against diseases like pneumococcal disease. We believe that our ecosystem is ready to ensure that eligible patient profiles like aged population above 50+ years and with chronic conditions like chronic lung disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic cardiovascular disease, and diabetes are advised for adult vaccines. Given the growing concern for respiratory health, the partnership with Pfizer will enable us to boost the top of mind for vaccination and largescale patient impact.”

Dr Santosh Taur, Director of Medical Affairs, Vaccines & Digital at Pfizer, said, “Prioritizing preventive health, especially among adults, is integral to elevating the overall quality of life impacted by infectious diseases. Patients often rely on the guidance of their healthcare providers and physicians for critical healthcare decisions, including vaccination. The establishment of the Centre of Excellence at Yashoda Hospital signifies a leadership initiative to drive meaningful discussions among healthcare professionals. It will play a pivotal role in emphasizing the benefits of adult vaccination, particularly in addressing respiratory illnesses such as pneumococcal disease and others.”