KIMS Hospital, Pfizer India establish CoE for adult vaccination

Hyderabad: Pfizer India has joined hands with Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) Hospital in Hyderabad to establish a centre of excellence (CoE) for adult vaccination. The centre was inaugurated by Dr Bhaskar Rao, CMD, KIMS Hospitals. This strategic collaboration is to promote and enhance the adoption of adult vaccination within the local community to protect patients against vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs).

The CoE at KIMS Hospitals, situated in Secunderabad is established to set up a comprehensive ecosystem within the hospital premises which will facilitate equipping healthcare professionals (HCPs) and educating patients about the long-lasting benefits of vaccination for individuals with comorbidities, advanced age, occupational hazards, and lifestyle-related disorders. Given the rising cases of respiratory illnesses, this centre will reinforce immunisation against various vaccine-preventable diseases such as Pneumococcal disease, hepatitis A and B, human papillomavirus (HPV), and influenza.

Dr Santosh Taur, Director, Medical Affairs, Vaccines & Digital, Pfizer, said, “The upsurge in chronic respiratory illnesses and air pollution in major cities heightens susceptibility to infectious diseases like pneumococcal infections and influenza. Vaccination stands as a proven and effective preventive measure against pneumococcal disease.”
Following the CoE's inauguration, a scientific summit led by Dr Rao and Dr Sambit Sahu, Medical Director, KIMS Hospitals was convened for healthcare professionals to discuss cutting-edge adult vaccination advancements and customisation of vaccination protocols across hospital departments, including pulmonology, nephrology, internal medicine, and endocrinology.

Dr VV Ramana Prasad, Consultant Pulmonologist, Intensivist and Sleep Specialist, KIMS Hospitals, said, “Respiratory illnesses pose substantial global challenges, and we have a commitment to patients not only for treatment but prioritisation of vaccination. The emphasis on adult vaccination is instrumental in enhancing overall quality of life, especially in combating infectious diseases. Through our collaboration with Pfizer, we aim to reach a wider audience in Hyderabad and Telangana, fostering awareness and widespread adoption of adult vaccination.”

Dr Pratik Patil, Infectious Disease Specialist, KIMS Hospitals highlighted, “On average, pneumococcal disease, often causing lung infections, leads to aggravating the existing chronic condition like diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, kidney diseases, etc. Vaccination is not only crucial for children but equally essential for adults, given the risks associated with comorbidities and age-related immunity challenges.”