What is Kerala's new budget allocation for elderly vaccination?

Kerala has allocated ₹50 crore in its latest budget to vaccinate poorer sections of the elderly against pneumococcal disease.

Why do experts recommend adding influenza vaccines to Kerala's elderly vaccination drive?

Experts recommend adding influenza vaccines to provide comprehensive protection against respiratory infections, as influenza can lead to severe pneumonia and cardiovascular complications.

Home / Health / Kerala's ₹50 Crore Boost: Elderly Vaccination Drive Launched

Kerala's ₹50 Crore Boost: Elderly Vaccination Drive Launched

Q: What is the current status of adult vaccination in India?

Adult vaccination remains a neglected area in India, lacking national guidelines and robust surveillance data on vaccine-preventable diseases among adults.

30 Jan

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Summary

Kerala allocated ₹50 crore for vaccinating poorer elderly against pneumococcal disease.
Experts advocate adding influenza vaccine for comprehensive protection.
Adult vaccination is a neglected area in India with no national guidelines.

Kerala's ₹50 Crore Boost: Elderly Vaccination Drive Launched

Kerala has taken a significant step towards adult immunisation by allocating ₹50 crore in its latest budget for vaccinating poorer elderly individuals against pneumococcal disease. This initiative is projected to rise from 18.7% to 23% by 2036.

Public health experts are advocating for the inclusion of the influenza vaccine alongside the pneumococcal vaccine to offer comprehensive protection against respiratory infections for the elderly population.

India has largely neglected adult vaccination, lacking national guidelines and robust surveillance data for vaccine-preventable diseases among adults. Older adults and those with chronic conditions are at high risk from infections like influenza and pneumococcal disease.