Over 60% of Mumbai Adults Skip Preventive Vaccines, Raising Public Health Concerns

While Mumbai is among the most medically equipped and advanced cities in India, the uptake of vaccines among adults is still very low, with more than 60 per cent of adults avoiding preventive vaccines,

according to research. Doctors worry it may lead to a lack of awareness, misconceptions, and an absence of routine vaccine reminders for all adults in the future. “While childhood immunization has been institutionalized through government programs, the adult vaccination remains poorly integrated into preventive healthcare,” Dr Vimal Pahuja, associate director, Internal Medicine and Metabolic Physician, Dr LH Hiranandani Hospital, told Times Now. “Many adults have the misapprehension that vaccines are 'only for children' or 'only for travel.” In addition, private-sector-driven delivery and out-of-pocket expenses restrain uptake when vaccines are not perceived as being essential,” he added.

Why is awareness low among Mumbaikars?

According to experts, the high literacy in Mumbai has not translated into vaccine literacy. Preventive care ranks rather low in healthcare-seeking behaviour; most people consult doctors only when symptomatic. “There is very little public health messaging on adult vaccines, unlike COVID-19, where structured campaigns normalized mass vaccination. Few workplaces or even insurance policies incentivize adult immunization, leading to missed opportunities,” said Dr Pahuja.

Key vaccines all adults must get

Doctors suggest getting all important vaccines, which include:

• Influenza
• Pneumococcal
• COVID-19 boosters

“These are highly recommended for a dense, polluted metropolis like Mumbai, especially in cases of diabetes, asthma, or chronic heart disease,” the doctor added. Also, hepatitis A and B vaccines are important due to foodborne and occupational exposures. Tdap every 10 years protects against the resurgence of pertussis, while HPV vaccination is recommended for the younger adults, given the need to prevent cervical and oropharyngeal cancers. Varicella and shingles vaccines benefit older adults and immunocompromised individuals.

How do preventive immunizations reduce disease burden?

Routine vaccination significantly reduces absenteeism, antibiotic abuse, and hospitalizations associated with respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. According to studies, influenza vaccination has been demonstrated to decrease workplace illness by almost 40 per cent, while pneumococcal vaccination has been shown to reduce up to 70 per cent of pneumonia-related hospitalizations among high-risk adults. Moreover, Vaccination indirectly contributes to the management of diabetes and even cardiovascular risks by preventing infections that cause metabolic and inflammatory stress. Doctors believe it can only be normalized if making adult immunization a regular preventive checklist is done, much like annual blood tests. Adult vaccination drives can be carried out by a hospital, society, or corporation. Digital health platforms and family physicians must maintain vaccination records and reminders. Inclusion of select adult vaccines into national programs or insurance coverage can increase uptake at a policy level.