Adult immunization must for healthy life: Docs

Nagpur: Change in lifestyle and improved lifespan has increased the burden of many diseases like tetanus, hepatitis and seasonal flu in adults. This can be effectively reduced if we accept and follow the concept of adult vaccination, said expert of infectious diseases Dr Ashvini Tayade on Sunday.

“People still hesitate when we share the concept of adult immunization with them. Many of them are reluctant to get vaccinated. Moreover, lack of resources, infrastructure and strategy is hindering the formulation of a policy on adult immunization,” she said. Dr Tayade spoke on ‘Vaccines in pre and post-transplant patients’ in a CME organized by Vidarbha Association of Medical Microbiologists (VAMM).

Vaccination also plays important role in prevention of infections in post-surgery patients as well as those who have received organs, she said. “After organ rejection and complications, the third largest cause of deaths in patients who receive organs is infection. Vaccination can reduce infection risk significantly,” she added.

Dr Sachin Deokar took over as president while Dr Anjali Akhuj (Raut) as honorary secretary of the VAMM on Sunday. “Focus of today’s discussion was solid organ transplant and infections. Firstly, we need to create awareness about organ donation in India. The organ donation rate is mere 0.8% in the country,” he said. “Microbiologists can ensure organ transplant with least chances of infection and healthy post-transplant life for patients,” he said.

Dr Vibhavari Dani, chairperson of zonal transplant coordination centre (ZTCC), Nagpur, was chief guest while Dr VL Jahagirdar, former national president of Association of Medical Microbiologists and Dr Divya Deodhar, assistant professor, infectious disease, at Christian Medical College, Vellore, were the guests of honour.

To reduce surgical infections in hospitals, VAMM has decided to organize academic events in Yavatmal, Akola and other parts of Vidarbha in next one year.

VACCINES FOR HEALTHY ADULTS

Seasonal influenza (flu): Every healthy adult should get a flu vaccine every year as the best way to reduce the risk of flu and its potentially serious complications

Diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and tetanus: This vaccine is recommended for women during each pregnancy and once for all adults who have not previously received it

Tetanus and diphtheria: The TD vaccine is recommended every 10 years

Shingles: Herpes zoster vaccine is recommended for adults 50 years and older

Pneumococcal disease — Two pneumococcal vaccines are recommended for adults 65 years and older. One or both vaccines may be recommended for adults younger than 65 who smoke

Apart from these: Some vaccines like hepatitis A and B, meningococcal, varicella, typhoid are recommended in high-risk individuals