Ahead of World Lung Day, doctors emphasised that voluntary vaccination among adults can significantly reduce the incidence of lung infections, leading to fewer hospital admissions and less strain on the overburdened hospitals.
In a press conference on Tuesday, doctors at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad revealed that the high morbidity and mortality rates associated with acute respiratory infections continue to pose a major challenge to the healthcare system.
When a large portion of the population is vaccinated, it would also reduce the overall transmission of diseases by herd immunity, protecting even those who cannot be vaccinated such as infants or individuals with suppressed immune system, the doctors revealed.
“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. They also are vital in reducing disease transmission and protecting vulnerable populations. People with immuno-compromised state like diabetes, kidney disease or lung disease such as asthma or COPD as well as elderly people are at higher risk of serious illness from many vaccine-preventable diseases. Vaccines can protect them against common lung infections like influenza, pneumonia, whooping cough, and RSV infection, preventing severe illness and death,” Dr. Arjun Khanna, HOD, Pulmonary Medicine Amrita Hospital, Faridabad said.
During the press conference, Dr. Sourabh Pahuja, Senior Consultant, Pulmonary Medicine, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad said that higher vaccination rates directly lead to fewer cases of lung infections.
“However, the current rate of adult vaccination in India is miniscule due to which millions of individuals remain vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases, causing needless morbidity and mortality. There are several challenges in this including lack of awareness, accessibility issues, cost and cultural beliefs. People in general are poorly informed about the benefits of vaccination or the risks associated with lung infections, leading to skepticism or indifference. Improving vaccination rates among adults requires targeted public health interventions, better infrastructure, financial support, cultural sensitivity, and building trust,” Dr. Pahuja said.
According to the doctors, it is important for vulnerable people and the elderly to stay up to date on vaccinations such as influenza (to protect against seasonal flu), Pneumococcal pneumonia (to protect against bacterial pneumonia), RSV (to protect against severe RSV illness in adults above 60 years of age), Tdap (to protect against tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough), Zoster (to protect against shingles) and BCG (to protect against tuberculosis).
To improve vaccine rates in India, Dr. Pradeep Bajad, Consultant, Pulmonary Medicine, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad said that Government should provide vaccines for free or at subsidized rates, especially to people in rural areas or those from poor socio-economic background.
“Awareness is key to promoting voluntary vaccinations by educating people on the need, benefits and safety of vaccines, especially for preventing lung infections. It reduces vaccine hesitancy and dispels myths, leading to higher vaccination rates. Facilitating this can be achieved through targeted public health campaigns along with proper community engagement via local healthcare workers and leaders. Schools, workplaces, and healthcare providers should also play an active role in spreading accurate information about the importance of vaccines for respiratory health,” he said.