Vaccination is not only for children. Depending on their age, medical history, lifestyle and previous immunization, adults may need annual vaccines, booster doses or catch-up vaccinations. But in India many people are unsure about what vaccines they need, when they should have them or if they need a prescription.
Following adult vaccination guidelines correctly allows people to make educated choices regarding preventive health care. But not all adults need all vaccines. And the requirements to receive a vaccine can differ by product and provider. Here are five important adult vaccines to discuss with a qualified health care professional.
1. Adult Influenza Vaccine: Is Annual Vaccination Necessary?
Influenza, or the flu, can cause fever, cough, body aches and fatigue. Most people recover without any problems, but influenza can be serious in older adults and those with certain underlying conditions.
An adult influenza vaccine is generally recommended annually in Indian expert recommendations. The vaccine formulation is updated to reflect the influenza strains expected to circulate during the coming season.
Adults aged 60 and above, people with chronic conditions and healthcare workers should discuss their vaccination needs with a clinician. Other adults can also ask whether annual flu vaccination is appropriate.
According to the Indian expert consensus on the Life Course Vaccination Continuum, influenza vaccination is an important part of adult immunisation. The appropriate vaccine and timing should be confirmed with a healthcare professional.
2. Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine: Who Should Consider It?
Hepatitis B is a virus which affects the liver. It can become chronic and increase the risk of liver cancer and cirrhosis. The adult hepatitis vaccine can help prevent infection and the complications that may result.
Adults who missed vaccination during childhood, have certain medical conditions or face an increased risk of exposure should discuss whether vaccination is appropriate. This may include some healthcare workers, people receiving dialysis and individuals with particular household or other exposure risks.
The number of doses depends on the vaccine product and the recommended schedule. A healthcare professional can review previous vaccination records and advise whether a new course is required.
The CDC adult hepatitis B guidance has helpful information about indications for vaccination and dose schedules in the United States. However, its recommendations should not be assumed as India’s adult vaccination schedule by default.
3. Adult Td and Tdap Vaccines: Are Booster Doses Needed?
Some vaccine-preventable infections such as whooping cough, diphtheria and tetanus can cause serious illness. Catch-up vaccination may need to be discussed with adults who missed doses in the past, or who do not have complete vaccination records.
The adult Td vaccine protects against tetanus and diphtheria, and Tdap protects against pertussis, or whooping cough.
People looking for an adult DTaP vaccine or adult It should be known that DTaP and DPT formulations are mainly related to childhood immunisation in context with DPT vaccine. For older adolescents and adults, Td and Tdap are the formulations usually considered.
Td immunisation is part of India’s National Immunisation Schedule at 10 and 16 years of age and is specifically recommended for pregnant women. Adult booster requirements should be discussed separately with a clinician depending on previous doses and individual circumstances. These program recommendations are described in the National Immunisation Schedule of the Government of India.
4. Adult Measles Vaccination: Is the MMR Vaccine Needed?
Measles is highly contagious and can lead to complications such as pneumonia and brain swelling. Adults without evidence of immunity should be offered measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination, particularly if traveling, have occupational exposure or are at increased risk of infection.
When measuring adult vaccination measles, one should consider prior vaccination records, age and any evidence of immunity available. Not every adult needs to get MMR. The number of doses depends on the individual’s situation and the applicable recommendations.
MMR is a live vaccine and is not appropriate for everyone, for example during pregnancy and in some people with weakened immune systems. Suitability should be assessed by a health professional prior to vaccination.
For more context on adult immunisation in India, the review Adult vaccination in India discusses the differences between childhood immunisation programmes and adult vaccination recommendations.
5. Adult Varicella Vaccine Schedule: What Should Adults Know?
Varicella is the virus that causes chickenpox. Adults who have neither evidence of immunity nor a reliable history of vaccination or infection may need to discuss the varicella vaccine.
The adult varicella vaccine schedule commonly involves two doses, although the interval and eligibility should be confirmed against the relevant product instructions and clinical recommendations.
The vaccine is live, so it is not recommended during pregnancy or for certain people with significant immune suppression. Anyone planning pregnancy should discuss immunity and vaccination timing with a healthcare professional beforehand.
The assessment may help determine whether vaccination is recommended and whether any precautions need to be taken.
What About Adult BCG Vaccination?
In India, BCG vaccination is mainly given as part of routine childhood immunisation. BCG vaccine is given to infants as per routine immunisation schedule. It’s not a standard vaccine for all adults. Any consideration of adult BCG vaccination should be based on a specific clinical or occupational indication and specialist advice.
Do Adults Need a Prescription for These Vaccines?
There isn't a universally applicable answer for adult vaccines. Prescription requirements vary based on the product classification and the pertinent regulations. The Government of India’s explanation on prescription requirements for medicines states that medicines falling under Schedules H, H1 and X shall be supplied subject to a prescription of a Registered Medical Practitioner.
Adults should contact the provider before arranging vaccination to determine whether a prescription is required, whether the vaccine is available and whether a consultation is required. Even if no prescription is needed, medical screening is important to determine eligibility, prior doses, allergies and contraindications.
Where Can Adults Get Vaccination Advice?
An adult vaccine review can help identify missed doses, appropriate booster shots, and vaccines recommended for specific ages or risk factors. Rather than applying the CDC adult vaccine schedule directly in India, adults should follow relevant Indian professional guidance and individual medical advice.
INVC offers vaccination services at home and at centres, subject to vaccine and location availability. Check out Life Course INVC - Immunisation page to explore available options and seek guidance on suitable vaccination services.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do adults require a prescription for vaccines in India?
The rules will vary depending on the vaccine and the regulations. Please check with a qualified healthcare professional or vaccination provider before booking.
2. How often should adults receive the flu shot?
Many adult immunisation recommendations recommend an annual flu shot. Talk to your healthcare provider about making sure you’re getting the right vaccine at the right time.
3. Do adults require a Td or Tdap booster?
Some adults may need booster or catch-up doses, depending on their previous immunizations, medical condition and current recommendations.
4. Are adults allowed to get MMR or varicella shots?
Yes, these vaccines may be given to eligible adults who have no evidence of immunity. Both are live vaccines and generally not recommended for women who are pregnant or for some people with weakened immune systems.
5. Should all adults be BCG vaccinated?
No. BCG is covered under the childhood immunization schedule in India. Depending on your situation, adult vaccination may be indicated and also depends on medical assessment.
