Mumbai: The Indian Medical Association (IMA), in partnership with Abbott, has launched Indian Immunization Week from September 21 to 27, with a focus on raising awareness around annual influenza vaccination and addressing gaps in adult immunisation.
Abbott cited National Sample Survey (NSS) data on adult immunisation in India, showing that only 1.98 per cent of adults aged 18 and above have received adult vaccines, while coverage among those aged 60 and above stands at 0.40 per cent.
Abbott also cited a 2026 multi-city study showing that only 19.7 per cent of adults aged 60 years and above were aware of influenza, while just 1.4 per centhad ever been vaccinated against the infection. This points to low awareness as a key barrier to adult immunisation.
As part of the initiative, the IMA has issued expert-reviewed clinical recommendations to guide healthcare professionals on when vaccination can be safely administered to people who are experiencing or recovering from fever.
“Many people miss or postpone influenza vaccination because of uncertainty about whether it is safe to get vaccinated during or after a fever. These recommendations offer a practical roadmap for healthcare professionals, helping ensure that vaccinations are given at the right time, particularly for those at higher risk of flu-related complications,” said Dr Anilkumar J. Nayak, National President, IMA.
