Publication: Why treat? Better prevent: Adult immunization
Date
2008
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
Abstract
Immunization is a safe, effective and simple way to prevent life threatening illnesses not only in children but also in
adults. Vaccines are some of the safest medicines available which can relieve suffering costs related to these
preventable diseases. The reason for underutilization of vaccines in adults are 1) Low prioritization of the
importance of vaccines preventable diseases among adults 2) Uncertainty or lack of knowledge about the safety and
efficacy 3) Lack of universal recommendations for all adults and 4) Financial constraints, especially in developing
countries.
Adult immunizations are administered in primary series like previously immunized, booster doses and periodic
doses. Agents include Toxoids (Diphtheria and Tetanus), Live Virus Vaccines (Measles, Mumps and Rubella), and
inactivated virus vaccines (Influenza), Inactive viral particles (Hepatitis B), inactivated bacterial polysaccharide
vaccine (Pneumococcal) and Conjugate / Polysaccharide vaccine (Meningococcal). And also vaccines like Hepatitis
A, Polio and Varicella may be recommended in some.
Since the economy and literacy rate has shown a steady rise in the South Asia and people are being aware of
different health problems through the recently advanced global communication, the education and awareness for
immunization not only in children but also in adults need a special consideration.
Keeping in view the statistical data of suffering costs related to the non-utilization of immunization in adults, the
need of hour has come for utilization of immunization to emphasize its importance.
Key words: Adult immunization, Vaccines.
Description
Kishore PV1, Palaian S2, Paudel R3, Paudel B4, Mishra P5, Prabhu M6
1Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, 2Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology, 3,4Lecturer, Department of Medicine, 5Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Pokhara, Nepal, 6Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Karnataka, India.