World Immunization Week 2022 theme focuses on Long Life for all - promoting vaccination usage by all ages to protect against diseases. The goal of Immunization week is to protect the citizens and build communities that are safe from vaccine-preventable diseases. WHO shared that 1.5 million deaths worldwide can be prevented due to timely vaccination. In India itself, Polio is completely eradicated via successful vaccination drives. Vaccinations not only help prevent sickness and death associated with infectious diseases such as diarrhea, measles, pneumonia, polio, and whooping cough, but they also hold up higher gains in education and economic development.
Dr Subramanian Swaminathan, Infectious Disease Specialist at Global Hospitals, shared, “Vaccinations are extremely important in improving quality of life. Post Covid-19, the success rate of vaccines has been established, but what has also come to light is that with age, immunity reduces, and those people suffering from severe diseases would need the most protection. Pneumonia and Influenza vaccines have the highest benefit when taken timely. Pediatric vaccination is like second nature and is also promoted by the Government. However , it needs to be recognized as a threat for adult immunization, and awareness needs to be created around this topic. Sensitization in the medical community and spreading information at the general public level is extremely crucial in today’s time and age.”
Dr S Balasubramanian, Pediatric, stated, “Without vaccination so many lives couldn’t have been saved or changed and eradicating diseases like Polio, Smallpox and negligible cases of tetanus wouldn’t have been possible thus, increasing the mortality rate of Indians. An infant taking the flu shot and the pneumococcal vaccines is of utmost importance as it helps the child in building stronger immunity and improving the quality of their childhood.”
While children getting vaccinated is a common topic of discussion, Adult Immunization is also the need of the hour. Getting the medical community active and taking necessary precautions for certain adults, such as elderly people and people with underlying diseases (Lung diseases, Diabetes, Hypertension, Kidney diseases, etc. )who are vulnerable to infections that can be effectively prevented by vaccines would increase the life expectancy. This helps to avoid worsening the existing diseases, avoid unnecessary hospitalizations and help people live their life doing things they love to do. Post Covid-19, the faith in vaccines has increased, and substantial improvements and increments in adult vaccination are essential to protect the vulnerable age group, people suffering from severe diseases, to reduce health consequences.
We need to create awareness about vaccines for both infants and adults. Although the awareness is increasing with the passing year, there is still a considerable gap to cover. Multiple diseases like polio and smallpox have shown the success rate of vaccines followed up with rigorous vaccination drives and missions created by the Government of India to promote immunization. A healthy child and family will only promote a healthy society and thus a healthy nation.
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