Amrita Hospital doctors emphasize vaccination's role in reducing lung diseases in India

Faridabad: Acute respiratory infections continue to be a significant challenge for the healthcare system due to their high morbidity and mortality rates. According to doctors at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, voluntary adult vaccination can greatly reduce the occurrence of lung infections, resulting in fewer hospitalizations and easing the burden on already strained hospitals. Widespread vaccination also promotes herd immunity, helping to protect vulnerable groups like infants and immunocompromised individuals who cannot be vaccinated. This statement was made in anticipation of World Lung Day.

Dr. Arjun Khanna, HOD, Pulmonary Medicine Amrita Hospital, Faridabad said, “Respiratory infections are major contributors to hospital admissions for lung-related illnesses. Vaccines are an inexpensive and easy way to prevent these, saving thousands of lives and crores of rupees in healthcare costs each year. They also are vital in reducing disease transmission and protecting vulnerable populations. People with immuno-compromised state like diabetes, kidney disease or lung disease such as asthma or COPD as well as elderly people are at higher risk of serious illness from many vaccine-preventable diseases. Vaccines can protect them against common lung infections like influenza, pneumonia, whooping cough, and RSV infection, preventing severe illness and death.”

Dr. Sourabh Pahuja, Senior Consultant, Pulmonary Medicine, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad said, “Higher vaccination rates directly lead to fewer cases of lung infections. However, the current rate of adult vaccination in India is miniscule due to which millions of individuals remain vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases, causing needless morbidity and mortality. There are several challenges in this including lack of awareness, accessibility issues, cost and cultural beliefs. People in general are poorly informed about the benefits of vaccination or the risks associated with lung infections, leading to skepticism or indifference. Improving vaccination rates among adults requires targeted public health interventions, better infrastructure, financial support, cultural sensitivity, and building trust.”

According to the doctors, vulnerable people and the elderly need to stay up to date on vaccinations such as influenza (to protect against seasonal flu), Pneumococcal pneumonia (to protect against bacterial pneumonia), RSV (to protect against severe RSV illness in adults above 60 years of age), Tdap (to protect against tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough), Zoster (to protect against shingles) and BCG (to protect against tuberculosis).

To improve vaccine rates in India, Dr. Pradeep Bajad, Consultant, Pulmonary Medicine, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad said that Government should provide vaccines for free or at subsidized rates, especially to people in rural areas or those from poor socio-economic background.

“Awareness is key to promoting voluntary vaccinations by educating people on the need, benefits and safety of vaccines, especially for preventing lung infections. It reduces vaccine hesitancy and dispels myths, leading to higher vaccination rates. Facilitating this can be achieved through targeted public health campaigns along with proper community engagement via local healthcare workers and leaders. Schools, workplaces, and healthcare providers should also play an active role in spreading accurate information about the importance of vaccines for respiratory health.”