FOGSI Unveils Comprehensive Immunisation Schedule For Adult Women & New Mothers

The Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI), in collaboration with MSD Pharma, has released a comprehensive immunisation schedule for adult women and new mothers in India. 

In a press statement on Thursday, the organisation informed that the schedule provides a detailed list of essential vaccines and their recommended frequencies, aiming to improve women's health across the nation.

The immunisation schedule was unveiled by actor and women’s health champion Kajal Aggarwal at an event in Mumbai. The event saw participation from key figures in women's healthcare, including Dr Jaydeep Tank, President of FOGSI, Dr Madhuri Patel, Secretary General of FOGSI, Prof. Dr Hrishikesh Pai, Immediate Past President of FOGSI and current Trustee at FIGO (Asia – Oceania), Dr Reshma Pai, Past President of FOGSI, Dr. Nandita Palshetkar, Past President of FOGSI and Past President ISAR, and Dr. Priya Ganeshkumar, Chairperson of FOGSI Oncology Committee, who led the project for FOGSI.

The statement from the organisation further informed that the further launch event featured a panel discussion on the "Importance of Immunisation and Vaccine Preventable Diseases in Women." Speakers highlighted a report indicating that women spend 25 per cent more time in poor health compared to men. Vaccination, they emphasised, can help safeguard women from preventable diseases, contributing to an improved quality of life.

Dr Jaydeep Tank, President of FOGSI, stated, "The launch of FOGSI’s updated immunisation schedule for women represents a significant milestone in preventive health for women. This comprehensive resource will provide a clear, actionable roadmap for both women and doctors, resulting in increased awareness about vaccination. Immunisation is critical in protecting women against vaccine-preventable diseases and reducing its burden in India."

Dr Hrishikesh Pai, Immediate Past President of FOGSI and current FIGO Trustee (Asia – Oceania), added, "Vaccination is recommended at different life stages to protect against infectious diseases. The adult vaccine coverage in India is almost negligible, and this needs to change. Initiatives like the immunisation schedule can go a long way in changing the situation and protecting more people in the future."

Kajal Aggarwal, the event's chief guest, expressed, "As a mother, my priority is to always be there for my children. And that can only happen when I prioritise my own health. I urge all women, regardless of age or stage in life, to take control of their health and consult their gynaecologist to learn more about the right vaccines for them."

Rehan A. Khan, Managing Director of MSD India Region, commented, “At MSD, we are committed to helping protect women and communities from vaccine-preventable diseases. Our collaboration with FOGSI is one more step in this direction. We strongly believe that efforts like this will contribute significantly to protecting women in India from vaccine-preventable diseases.”

Dr Priya Ganeshkumar, Chairperson of the FOGSI Oncology Committee, noted, "Increasing physicians' knowledge and awareness on vaccines significantly improves vaccination rates. FOGSI has provided resources to its member gynaecologists to help them counsel their patients on available vaccines and preventable diseases, including cervical cancer."