To many vaccinations are something that you go through as children, with little to no focus on vaccinations that need to be taken in their later years. However, the scientific community is increasingly about talking about adult vaccinations and a life-course approach to vaccinations, to ensure that protection against certain dangerous infectious diseases last beyond childhood.

This World Immunisation Week, First Check takes a closer look at these.

What is the life-course approach to vaccinations?

Simply put, life-course approach to vaccinations looks at immunisation as something that needs to happen through the course of one’s life. This could mean vaccinations are recommended at every stage of a person’s life, childhood, adolescence, adulthood and even old age. 

This is also part of the WHO’s Immunization Agenda 2030, which “envisions a world where everyone, everywhere, at every age, fully benefits from vaccines to improve health and well-being.”

What are some vaccines one could get during adulthood? 

Despite the availability of vaccines suited for adults, adult immunization in India faces challenges such as low awareness, vaccine hesitancy, cost barriers, according to a newsletter by on Adult Immunization in India released by the National Centre for Disease Control, Government of India.

First Check has compiled a brief list of the vaccines recommended for adults, taken from the guidelines from the Association of Physicians of India.

COVID-19 Vaccine: Recommended for all adults, to protect against severe respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus.

Influenza (Flu) Vaccine: Annual vaccination is advised for all adults to prevent seasonal flu and its complications.

Tdap and Td Vaccines: Protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). Adults should receive a Tdap booster once if not previously vaccinated, followed by Td boosters every 10 years.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine:  Recommended for adults born in 1957 or later who lack evidence of immunity, especially for those in healthcare, education, or traveling internationally.

Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine: For adults who have never had chickenpox or the vaccine, two doses are recommended.

Herpes Zoster (Shingles) Vaccine: Recommended for adults aged 50 and older to prevent shingles and related complications.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine:  Recommended for adults up to age 26, and some adults aged 27-45 may consider vaccination after consulting a healthcare provider to prevent HPV-related cancers.

Pneumococcal Vaccines: Recommended for adults 50 years and older to protect against pneumonia and invasive pneumococcal diseases.

Hepatitis A and B Vaccines: Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for adults aged 19-59 and those older with risk factors; hepatitis A vaccine is advised based on risk exposure.

Meningococcal Vaccine: Recommended for certain adults based on medical, occupational, or travel risk factors. 

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine: Recommended for adults 75 years and older and some adults aged 60-74 at risk for severe disease.  

Mpox Vaccine: For adults at risk of monkeypox infection, typically given in two doses.

Also read: World Immunization Week: Vaccines are probably one of the biggest innovation of the 20th century, says Dr Soumya Swaminathan – First Check

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