Adult vaccination is essential for those over 50 year age Aiims Rishikesh
If you have crossed the age of 50, do not forget to get certain essential vaccinations in a timely manner. As one ages, receiving these life-saving vaccines becomes crucial for maintaining good health. These vaccines are not only effective in protecting against severe infectious diseases but also help in boosting the body’s immune system. This vaccination facility is available at AIIMS Rishikesh and operates throughout the week.
Advancing age often brings with it various health challenges, largely due to a decline in immunity. Diabetic patients, in particular, are susceptible to falling prey to various ailments during this phase of life. Therefore, it is imperative that every individual embraces “Adult Vaccination” as soon as they cross the age of 50 to maintain a disease-free life. Although many people believe that they received most of their vaccinations during childhood, medical experts point out that the efficacy of childhood vaccines typically lasts only until the age of 35. Thereafter, the vaccines gradually lose their potency within the body, and as immunity levels drop, the risk of contracting diseases begins to rise.
Prof. Vartika Saxena, Head of the Department of Community Medicine at AIIMS, stated that individuals over the age of 50 face a higher risk of developing pneumonia, coughs and colds, and other infection-related illnesses. When people in this age group fall ill, approximately three out of every ten cases require hospitalization. She further explained that to help prevent such illnesses, adult vaccination facilities are available at AIIMS for this demographic. This ensures that their immunity remains robust, thereby sparing them from having to face critical health situations. The available vaccines include those for Influenza, Hepatitis, Tetanus, Pneumonia, Varicella, and others. Prof. Vartika stated that the vaccination program operates on all working days of the week.
Dr. Smita Sinha, the Nodal Officer for the vaccination center, emphasized that every individual over the age of 50 needs to be aware of the importance of receiving these vaccines. She noted that between January 1 and March 31—spanning the last three months—more than 600 people have been vaccinated at the institute’s vaccination center. She further explained that receiving these vaccines is crucial for diabetic patients, citizens traveling abroad, cruise ship passengers, Hajj pilgrims, and devotees participating in the Kumbh Mela.
Inset:
Pneumococcal and Influenza Vaccines: Of Paramount Importance
Rishikesh: Among individuals over the age of 50, the most frequently observed health issues include respiratory difficulties, pneumonia, severe chills, and shortness of breath. Consequently, the adult vaccination program recommends the administration of the ‘Pneumococcal’ vaccine. Additionally, for those who did not contract chickenpox during childhood, receiving the ‘Varicella’ vaccine is highly essential. The chickenpox virus enters the body through the respiratory tract and subsequently spreads throughout the body’s nervous system. This results in the appearance of red rashes across the entire body. It is a potentially life-threatening disease. Dr. Vartika further explained that, in addition to the aforementioned, vaccines such as Typhoid, Hepatitis A (HE-A), and Hepatitis B (HE-B) are administered to prevent liver diseases; the Influenza vaccine is given to prevent chest-related ailments and boost immunity; and the Tdap vaccine is administered to provide protection against Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis.
“The adult vaccination program aims to ensure that individuals maintain a robust immune system, thereby enabling the timely prevention of disease outbreaks. As one ages—particularly after crossing the age of 50—the immune system typically begins to weaken; this decline in immunity can significantly increase the risk of contracting various infections and diseases that are otherwise preventable.” These vaccines not only protect against infection but also help reduce the severity of the disease.
— Prof. Minu Singh, Executive Director, AIIMS
