Influenza causes an estimated 1.2 lakh deaths annually in India, with nearly two-thirds of the fatalities occurring among adults aged 65 years and above. Despite the significant health burden, fewer than 2% of elderly Indians have received an influenza vaccine, according to an expert consensus published in the Journal of the Indian Academy of Geriatrics.
Drawing on data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI), the report highlighted persistently low vaccination coverage among older adults. Coverage stood at 2.75% for tetanus-diphtheria vaccines, 1.82% for hepatitis B, 1.59% for influenza and only 0.74% for pneumococcal vaccination.
Dr. Suranjit Chatterjee of Indraprastha Apollo Hospital said adult immunisation rates in India remain extremely low and require urgent attention. He noted that vaccination helps prevent infections, reduces hospitalisations and supports healthy ageing.
The findings are particularly concerning as infections remain a leading cause of hospitalisation among older adults, with pneumonia being the most common. Yet less than 1% of senior citizens have received the pneumococcal vaccine, which protects against a major cause of pneumonia. The report estimates that invasive pneumococcal disease contributes to 6–8 lakh deaths globally each year, primarily among older adults and individuals with underlying health conditions.
The recommendations come amid India’s rapidly ageing population. People aged 60 years and above accounted for around 10.5% of the population in 2022, a share expected to double by 2050. The consensus document was developed by a panel of specialists led by Dr. Sunny Singhal of SMS Medical College, Jaipur, with contributions from experts from AIIMS Delhi, JIPMER Puducherry, Christian Medical College Vellore and other institutions.
Experts noted that India currently lacks a comprehensive national framework for adult vaccination. Factors such as limited awareness, vaccine hesitancy, cost and accessibility continue to hinder uptake. They recommended routine vaccination for older adults against influenza, pneumococcal disease, shingles and tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, while advising hepatitis B vaccination for individuals at higher risk.
