‘Vaccines Aren’t Just for Kids’: Expert Warns Millions of Indian Adults At Risk

For most Indian parents, childhood vaccination schedules are carefully remembered and followed. But when it comes to adult vaccines, awareness remains surprisingly low. According to Dr. Neha Mishra, Head of Infectious Diseases at Manipal Hospitals, this gap in awareness is becoming a serious public health concern in India. “Try asking the same to any 60-year-old diabetic or any heart patient, or a pregnant female - they may laugh it away, saying that the vaccines are predominantly for children, or may comment that they don’t need it as they are healthy. That probably is India’s biggest vaccination myth,” she said. Health experts warn that vaccines are not only important for children, but also for adults, especially senior citizens, pregnant women,

diabetics, and heart patients, who also need protection against several preventable diseases.Also read: ICMR Confirms Hantavirus Cases Are Isolated, India Risk Remains Low

Why adult immunisation matters?

Doctors say India records nearly 500,000 deaths annually from vaccine-preventable diseases. While the country has built a strong childhood immunisation system, adult vaccination programs remain underdeveloped and under-discussed. According to Dr. Mishra, one major reason adult immunisation is becoming increasingly important is rising life expectancy. As people age, the immune system naturally weakens — a process known as immunosenescence. This makes older adults more vulnerable to infections, complications, hospitalization, and death. “The ageing population is at an increased risk of comorbid conditions and lifestyle-associated diseases, which in turn increases the risk of infections and mortality rates,” she said. In addition, chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disorders, and respiratory illnesses significantly increase infection risks in adults. Experts also note that immunity from some childhood vaccines may fade over time. Certain diseases may therefore require booster doses during adulthood to maintain protection.

Benefits of adult vaccination

Health professionals say adult vaccines do far more than prevent infections. They can also:

• Reduce hospital admissions
• Lower ICU stays and complications
• Prevent severe disease outcomes
• Reduce healthcare costs and financial burden
• Improve the quality of life in older adults

Doctors believe preventive healthcare through vaccination is now becoming essential as India faces growing lifestyle diseases and an ageing population.

Who needs adult vaccines the most?

According to infectious disease experts, some groups are considered particularly vulnerable and should prioritize adult immunisation:

Senior citizens

Older adults have weaker immunity and are more prone to pneumonia, influenza, shingles, and severe infections.

Pregnant women

Vaccination during pregnancy can protect both mother and baby from dangerous infections.

Healthcare workers

Doctors, nurses, and healthcare staff face repeated exposure to infectious diseases and require additional protection.

People with chronic diseases

Patients with diabetes, heart disease, kidney disorders, liver disease, or weakened immunity are at higher risk of serious infections.

Why does adult vaccination awareness remain low?

Despite its importance, adult immunisation still faces multiple challenges in India. Dr. Mishra says common barriers include lack of awareness, vaccine hesitancy, misinformation and myths, cost concerns, and the belief that vaccines are “only for children”. Many adults feel healthy and assume they do not need vaccines. Others simply delay preventive care until illness develops. “The best time to vaccinate an adult is before they become a patient,” she emphasizes.

A growing public health priority

Public health specialists believe adult vaccination could become one of the most important preventive healthcare tools in the coming years. Increasing awareness around flu shots, pneumonia vaccines, hepatitis vaccines, HPV vaccines, and booster doses may help reduce disease burden significantly. Experts urge adults to speak with their doctors about recommended vaccines based on age, medical history, lifestyle, and existing health conditions. As India’s healthcare priorities evolve, doctors say adult immunisation must move beyond being an afterthought and become a mainstream part of preventive healthcare.