Immunizations are not just for
children. The protection provided by some childhood vaccines can wear off over
time, making older adults at risk for vaccine-preventable disease. Older adults
are especially vulnerable to infectious diseases because of immunosenescence
(decreasing immunity due to age) and comorbid conditions such as diabetes,
chronic kidney disease, liver disease, heart failure and chronic respiratory
illnesses.
The Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India was one of the world's largest health programmes. It provides several vaccines to infants, children and pregnant women, though older adults and adults with chronic illness (mentioned above) are not included. With the implementation of the COVID-19 vaccine, we have seen policymakers' focus has shifted towards this vulnerable population. We hope that older adults will also be included under the Universal Immunisation Programme. Below is the list of vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for older adults in 2021.
Recommended Adult Immunization
Schedule 2021
|
Vaccine |
50-64
years |
≥65
years |
|
Influenza
inactivated (IIV) or Influenza
recombinant (RIV4) |
1 dose annually |
|
|
Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis |
1 dose Td/Tdap for wound management Td or Tdap booster every 10 years |
|
|
Measles,
mumps, rubella |
1 or 2 doses depending on the indication |
|
|
Varicella (VAR) |
2 doses |
|
|
Zoster
recombinant (RVZ) |
2 doses |
|
|
Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV 13) |
1 dose |
|
|
Pneumococcal
polysaccharide (PPSV23) |
1 or 2 doses depending on the indication |
|
|
Hepatitis B (Hep B) |
3 doses |
|
|
Meningococcal |
1 or 2 doses depending on the indication |
|
|
Haemophilus influenzae type B |
1 or 3 doses depending on the indication |
|
