At least two out of three Indian adults are not aware of adult vaccination and many still think that vaccines are only for children. In a novel initiative, the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI) unveiled a comprehensive immunization schedule for women that provides a comprehensive list of essential vaccines that adult women should receive, and the recommended frequency of each vaccine.
“The vaccination story is not over yet. There are huge benefits of adult vaccination and concerted efforts are required to improve awareness of public in general and healthcare practitioners regarding vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs),” said Dr Rishma Pai, former president of FOGSI told The Indian Express.
FOGSI and MSD Pharma have collaborated to raise awareness about women’s immunization and help prevent vaccine-preventable diseases in women across India. Actor and women’s health champion Kajal Aggarwal unveiled the immunization schedule at an event in Mumbai recently.
At a panel discussion, Dr. Jaydeep Tank, president of FOGSI, Dr. Madhuri Patel, secretary general of FOGSI, Dr. Hrishikesh Pai, immediate past president of FOGSI and current trustee at FIGO (Asia – Oceania), Dr. Nandita Palshetkar, past president FOGSI and past president ISAR (Indian Society of Artificial Reproduction) along with Dr. Priya Ganeshkumar, chairperson of FOGSI Oncology Committee, who has been leading the project for FOGSI spoke on the ‘Importance of Immunization and Vaccine Preventable Diseases in Women.’
A report highlights that women spend 25% more time in poor health compared to men. Vaccination can help change this and safeguard women from vaccine-preventable diseases, contributing to an improved quality of life. Dr Tank said adding that the launch of FOGSI’s updated immunization schedule for women represents a significant milestone in the preventive health for women. This comprehensive resource will provide a clear actionable roadmap to both women and doctors resulting into an increased awareness about vaccination.
After birth, a woman’s body undergoes changes in the immunity and hormonal system, which increases the risk of infection, said Dr Patel. “For example, 31% of women after birth are at a high-risk of an HPV infection . Thus, vaccination plays a crucial role in a new mother’s health. The immunization schedule specifically highlights vaccinations that are of utmost importance to new mothers,” she added.
Dr. Palshetkar also observed that lack of dedicated adult vaccination centres is an impending factor. It is crucial hence to set up dedicated adult vaccination centres that cater to adolescents, adults, and the elderly. “An effective approach to bridge the gap between the expected and actual rates is to expand the number of vaccine delivery sites equipped with special walk-in service and extended hours,” she said.
According to Dr. Priya Ganeshkumar, chairperson of the FOGSI oncology committee and co-ordinator for FOGSI Mahila Kavach Kendra, studies have shown that increasing physicians’ knowledge and awareness on vaccines significantly improves vaccination rates.
Information, counselling, and non-directed guidance are perhaps amongst the most important motivators for improving vaccine uptake. Hence, FOGSI decided to provide their member gynaecologists the FOGSI Handbook on Prevention and Management of Cervical Cancer and has also recently launched FOGSI FOCUS PLUS on adult women vaccination.
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