In a significant development for preventive healthcare in India, HCMCT Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, has partnered with Pfizer India to establish a Centre for Adult Vaccination.
In a press statement on Thursday, the company said that this collaboration aims to enhance community protection by promoting the importance of adult vaccinations and addressing vaccine-preventable diseases.
Traditionally associated with childhood immunisations, vaccinations for adults have often been overlooked in India. The newly launched Centre at HCMCT Manipal Hospital will offer comprehensive vaccination services against diseases such as Pneumococcal disease, Influenza, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), and Hepatitis A and B, among others.
Despite adult vaccination being a proven strategy to improve quality of life, 95 per cent of deaths from vaccine-preventable diseases occur in adults. The Centre will focus on educating healthcare professionals about the benefits of timely adult vaccinations, particularly for those at higher risk due to chronic health conditions such as COPD, Asthma, Diabetes, Heart Disease, Kidney Disease, Liver Cirrhosis, or additional risk factors like smoking, pollution exposure, or age.
Dr. Ankita Baidya, Consultant Infectious Disease at HCMCT Manipal Hospital, highlighted the significance of the Centre stating, “Vaccine-preventable diseases impact individuals and communities profoundly. Adult vaccination is a fundamental aspect of preventive medicine, offering a straightforward yet effective way to protect against preventable diseases. This Centre will be instrumental in promoting awareness, addressing vaccine hesitancy, and ensuring equitable access to essential vaccines, ultimately strengthening public health infrastructure. Expanding adult vaccination can help reduce disease burden, protect vulnerable populations, and achieve herd immunity.”
Viji Varghese, Hospital Director at HCMCT Manipal Hospital, emphasised the broader goals of the Centre and said, “Our collaboration with Pfizer to launch this Centre for Adult Vaccination is a step forward in transforming public health. By providing adult vaccination services, we are committed to evolving our healthcare system and protecting communities from vaccine-preventable diseases. This initiative reflects our dedication to comprehensive care and public health innovation, paving the way for a healthier future.”
Dr. Santosh Taur, Director of Medical Affairs at Pfizer Vaccines, expressed Pfizer’s commitment to the initiative and said, “Pfizer is dedicated to advancing public health through effective vaccination strategies. Our partnership with HCMCT Manipal Hospital underscores our commitment to expanding access to adult vaccinations and strengthening the nation’s healthcare infrastructure. This Centre represents a milestone in our efforts to provide critical information and support informed healthcare decisions regarding immunisation.”
The new Centre will also focus on enhancing patient education and providing counselling to address concerns about vaccines, highlighting their long-term health benefits. It will feature extensive training modules and capacity-building efforts, supported by guidelines and protocols for adult vaccination, the press statement added.
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