Vaccination can drastically reduce lung-related illnesses in India, say doctors at Amrita Hospital

New Delhi: As acute respiratory infections continue to challenge India’s healthcare system, experts at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, emphasize the role of adult vaccination in mitigating the burden of lung-related illnesses. 

Ahead of World Lung Day, doctors stressed that voluntary vaccination could substantially lower the incidence of respiratory infections, reduce hospital admissions, and ease the strain on healthcare facilities. With large-scale vaccination, herd immunity would also help curtail the transmission of diseases, benefiting even those unable to receive vaccines, such as infants and immunocompromised individuals.

Dr. Arjun Khanna, Head of the Pulmonary Medicine Department at Amrita Hospital, highlighted, “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. Vaccines are vital in reducing disease transmission and protecting vulnerable populations.” 

Khanna also pointed, “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 of Pulmonary Medicine at the hospital, emphasized, “Higher vaccination rates directly lead to fewer cases of lung infections. However, the the current rate of adult vaccination in India is minuscule due to which millions of individuals remain vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases, causing needless morbidity and mortality.”

He noted, “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.”

The doctors outlined the importance of staying up-to-date on several key vaccinations, particularly for vulnerable populations and the elderly. These include influenza vaccines to protect against seasonal flu, Pneumococcal vaccines to guard against bacterial pneumonia, and vaccines for RSV, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough), shingles, and tuberculosis.

To enhance vaccination coverage, especially in rural areas and among economically disadvantaged communities, Dr. Pradeep Bajad, Consultant in Pulmonary Medicine, called on the government to provide vaccines for free or at subsidized rates. “Awareness is key to promoting voluntary vaccinations,” he said, “and educating people about 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,” he stressed.