A recently conducted survey by The Association of Physicians in India (API) and Ipsos, in 16 cities among adults aged 50 years and older, their caregivers and doctors has yielded compelling insights into why there is low adoption of adult immunisation in India. The survey shows that although 71% of adults aged ≥50 years are aware of adult vaccination, only 16% have taken any adult vaccines. Patients and doctors have provided significantly different reasons for low adoption.
A majority of doctors surveyed (90%) state that a lack of formal guidelines results in a lack of interest and adoption of vaccination by patients. Doctors also hesitate to discuss adult vaccination with their patients because they have limitations of time, and they also feel patients are less receptive to vaccination recommendations due to cost as well as prioritisation of treatment over prevention. Overall, doctors have recommended adult vaccination to only 16% of adults aged 50 years or older. Patients say that since they do not receive a firm recommendation from their doctors, they have not proactively taken adult vaccination. A significant number of adults aged ≥50 (91%) rely on their doctor’s recommendation to get vaccinated.