The term vaccination or immunisation brings to mind teary-eyed toddlers in a paediatrician's clinic. However, contrary to tradition belief, vaccines don't stop at childhood! By vaccinating yourself, you reduce your chance of contracting serious illnesses and passing them along.
Immunisation is the process whereby a person is made immune or resistant to an infectious disease, typically by the administration of a vaccine. It teaches the body's immune system to recognize and defend against harmful bacteria and viruses before getting an infection.
Need for adult immunisation – It isn't just for children
- Adults with chronic conditions: Individuals with asthma, heart, liver, lung, kidney disease, diabetes, smokers and immunosuppressed individuals (post-transplant, HIV positive, steroid treatment, etc.) are at increased risk of serious diseases like pneumonia and meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Even caretakers may require vaccinations to prevent transmission of infections such as chicken pox.
- Universal vaccination: The body's immune response from vaccination declines over time. Thus, an annual vaccine is required for optimal protection. Secondly, the formulation of the flu vaccine is reviewed each year and sometimes updated, which makes it necessary to take it again.
- Immunisation for travel: It's important to have the right vaccinations before you travel to some countries. For example: As a high risk location, vaccinations are essential for those visiting Bali and Indonesia. Meningococcal vaccine is necessary if you are travelling to Saudi Arabia to take part in the Hajj. Students travelling abroad for higher studies are required to get certain vaccinations too.
- Incomplete childhood vaccination: Inadequate levels of immunization against childhood diseases are a significant problem. If you have not been vaccinated for infections like measles or chicken pox as a child and not had the disease itself, you stand a greater chance of acquiring the infection in a more severe form.
- Periodic booster shots: The immunity derived from childhood vaccinations like Tetanus Toxoid and Pertussis vaccine may wane over time. To maintain immunity, you may require booster shots.
- Preventing transmission to babies who are too young for vaccines: Influenza vaccine is transmitted from the mother to the new-born as it is not recommended for infants who are less than 6 months.
- Newer vaccines have been developed: Some vaccinations recommended for adults are relatively new such as the HPV vaccine. It protects sexually active adults from human papilloma virus that can lead to cervical as well as genital cancers.
- Some vaccines are especially for adults: Herpes zoster is a virus that may live on in your nervous tissues for years even after chickenpox is treated. It can cause a severe and painful skin rash. In addition to that, its risk increases with age. The Herpes Zoster vaccine is recommended for those 60 years and above.
- Post exposure prophylaxis: Non-immune adults may be protected by timely vaccinations after being exposed to HIV to prevent HIV infection.
What does our Adult Immunisation Clinic have to offer?
Our adult immunisation clinic is run by a dedicated team of clinicians who have an in-depth knowledge of the latest adult immunisation recommendations for healthy adults as well as those with risk factors for certain diseases.
- Vaccinations are recommended on the basis of individual factors like age, health status, medication history, previous immunisation, occupation, travel and exposure.
- Patients are counselled regarding the advantages as well as possible adverse effects of each vaccine. A vaccine information sheet is provided as reference.
- Each patient is provided with a detailed personal immunisation record card as future reference.
- Completion of an immunisation series is essential in order to derive maximum vaccine protection.
- You will be notified about your next dose through a reminder call from our clinic.
Consultant Doctors:
- Dr. Ayesha Sunavala, Consultant, Infectious Disease Specialist
- Dr. Umang Agrawal, Consultant, Infectious Diseases Specialist
Adult Immunisation is recommended for all adults and play a vital role in the prevention of infectious diseases and their transmission in the community.
Q1. What does the term immunisation mean?
Ans. Immunisation is the process whereby a person is made immune or resistant to an infectious disease, typically by the administration of a vaccine. Vaccines stimulate the body's own immune system to protect the person against subsequent infection or disease.
Q2. Why do adults need immunisation?
Adults need immunisation for a variety of reasons, listed below are a few:
- Adults with chronic conditions: Asthma, heart, lung, liver, kidney disease, diabetes, smokers and immunosuppressed individuals (post-transplant, HIV positive, steroid treatment etc.), are at increased risk of vaccine preventable serious diseases. Caretakers involved in the care of immunosuppressed patients may also require vaccinations to prevent transmission of infections.
- Universal vaccination: Everyone needs an influenza vaccine, every year. Each year's vaccination is designed to protect against strains of influenza anticipated to be most commonly circulated in the upcoming season.
- Immunisation for travel: Some vaccinations are required for travel to certain countries. Certain immunisation requirements are also mandatory for students travelling abroad for higher studies.
- Incomplete childhood vaccination: If you have not been vaccinated for infections like measles or chicken pox as a child and not had the disease itself, you are still at risk of acquiring the infection often in a more severe form.
- You may no longer be protected: The immunity derived from childhood vaccinations may wane over time and require a booster in order to remain protected.
- Preventing transmission: Immunisation is recommended for pregnant women and people who have contact with new-born babies as they are too young for vaccines.
- Newer vaccines development: Some vaccinations recommended for adults are fairly new.
- Some vaccines are especially for adults:
Herpes zoster is caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus. It can cause a severe and painful skin rash. Its risk increases as a person ages. The herpes zoster vaccine is recommended for adults 60 and older.
- Post exposure prophylaxis: Non immune adults may be protected by timely vaccinations after exposure to a sick contact.
Q3. What services will be provided at the adult immunisation clinic?
The adult immunisation clinic is run by a team of infectious disease clinicians with an in-depth knowledge of the latest adult immunisation recommendations for healthy adults as well as those with risk factors for particular diseases.
Q4. How will vaccines be recommended?
Vaccination will be recommended based on individual factors such as age, health status, medication history, previous immunisation, occupation, travel and exposure.
Q5. What procedure is expected at the adult immunisation clinic?
- Patients will be counseled regarding the benefits as well as possible adverse effects of each vaccine. A vaccine information sheet will be provided for your reference.
- Each patient will be provided with a detailed personal immunisation record card for future reference.
Important note:
Completion of an immunisation series is essential in order to derive maximum vaccine protection. If you choose to be vaccinated, you will receive a reminder call from our clinic when your next dose is due, if and when applicable.