Acute respiratory infections (ARI) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality and continue to pose a challenge to India’s healthcare system. These are lung-related diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and respiratory tract infections.

While heart disease is the leading cause of death in India, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the second leading cause of death in the country.

According to a 2022 report, the total burden of asthma in India is 34.5 million, which is about 13.09% of the global burden. In fact, according to WHO data for 2020, asthma deaths in India have reached 1,96,051 or 2.31% of total deaths.

To reduce the financial burden on patients, experts have suggested that voluntary vaccination in adults can significantly reduce lung infections, thereby reducing the number of patients admitted to hospital and easing pressure on the healthcare sector.

Highlighting the importance of adult vaccination, Dr Arjun Khanna, Head of Pulmonary Medicine at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, said, “Respiratory infections are a leading cause of hospitalisation related to lung problems. Vaccines provide a cost-effective and simple way to prevent these diseases, saving thousands of lives every year and reducing healthcare costs.”

“Vaccination is also important in preventing the spread of diseases, protecting vulnerable populations such as the elderly and people with weakened immune systems,” Dr. Khanna said.

People with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as the elderly, are particularly vulnerable to severe respiratory infections.

“Vaccines can provide protection against common lung infections such as influenza, pneumonia, pertussis, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and can prevent severe illness and death,” he said.

Despite the clear gains, vaccination rates among adults in India remain worryingly low, according to experts.

Dr. Saurabh Pahuja, Senior Consultant, Pulmonary Medicine, Amrita Hospital, expressed concern over the current situation.

“Vaccination rates for adults in India are negligible, leaving millions of people vulnerable to preventable diseases. This leads to unnecessary illness and death,” he said.

Dr Pahuja attributed the low vaccination rates to lack of awareness, access challenges, cost and cultural beliefs.

“Improving vaccination rates requires targeted public health efforts, better infrastructure, financial support, and trust-building among communities,” he stressed.

Doctors said it is important to complete the required vaccinations on time for high-risk groups, including the elderly. These include:

• Influenza vaccine (to prevent seasonal flu)
• pneumococcal vaccine (to prevent bacterial pneumonia)
• RSV vaccine (for adults over age 60 to prevent severe RSV illness)
• Tdap vaccine (to protect against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis)
• Zoster vaccine (to prevent shingles)
• BCG vaccine (to prevent tuberculosis)

To increase vaccination rates, especially in rural and economically deprived areas, Dr Pradeep Bajaj, consultant of pulmonary medicine, suggested that the government should make vaccines available free or at subsidised rates.

“Awareness is key,” said Dr. Bajad, adding that public health campaigns, community engagement, and education about the benefits and safety of vaccines are essential to reduce vaccine hesitancy.

“Schools, workplaces, and healthcare providers should actively participate in spreading accurate information about the importance of vaccines for respiratory health,” Dr. Bajad said.

Experts agreed that increasing vaccination among adults could play a key role in preventing respiratory infections, and protecting the health of millions of people in India.