A recently conducted survey by The Association of Physicians in India (API) and Ipsos, in 16 cities among adults aged 50 years and older, their caregivers and doctors has yielded compelling insights into why there is low adoption of adult immunisation in India. The survey shows that although 71% of adults aged ≥50 years are aware of adult vaccination, only 16% have taken any adult vaccines. Patients and doctors have provided significantly different reasons for low adoption.
A survey of 90% of doctors revealed that lack of formal guidelines and time constraints hinder patient interest and vaccination adoption. Only 16% of adults aged 50 or older have been recommended for vaccination. Many rely on their doctor’s recommendation, while 69% and 76% of caregivers do not ask doctors about adult vaccination.
To improve uptake, 55% of adult respondents and 48% of caregivers believe measures like COVID-19 vaccination awareness can increase vaccination adoption. Dr. Navin Kumar Bansal, Consultant Physician & Diabetologist and also an Adult Immunisation Specialist, practising at CareVista& Apollo Sugars Clinic, Trinity Square, 2nd floor, Wireless, Beltola, Guwahati, said, “In addition, conversations about the dangers of vaccine-preventable diseases such as shingles will encourage more ageing adults to get vaccinated.”
