What is influenza (the flu)?

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to hospitalization or even death.

How does the flu spread?

The flu spreads mainly through droplets made when people with the flu cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might get the flu by touching a surface or object that has the flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes.

What are the symptoms of the flu?

Common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people may also have vomiting and diarrhoea, though this is more common in children than adults.

How can the flu be prevented?

The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year. Other preventive measures include washing your hands often, avoiding close contact with sick people, and covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze.

Can I get the flu from the vaccine?

No, the flu vaccine contains an inactivated virus or proteins that cannot cause infection. It helps your immune system recognize and fight the virus effectively.

How can I protect myself from the flu?

The best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated annually. Additionally. practice good hygiene: wash hands frequently, avoid close contact with sick individuals, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

How often should I get the flu shot?

You should get the flu vaccine every year since flu viruses constantly evolve, and the vaccine is updated annually to protect against new strains.

Is the flu vaccine safe?

Yes, the flu vaccine is extensively tested and recommended by global health organizations like WHO and CDC. Most people experience only mild side effects, if any.

What are the common side effects?

Common side effects include soreness, redness, and swelling at the injection site, as well as low-grade fever, headache, and muscle aches. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own.

Who needs the flu shot the most?

While everyone above 6 months should get vaccinated, it’s especially crucial for young children, elderly individuals, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses.

Can healthy adults skip the flu vaccine?

No, even healthy adults can get the flu and spread it to vulnerable individuals. The vaccine reduces your chances of getting sick and helps protect your community.

Who should NOT take the flu vaccine?

People with severe allergies to any flu shot ingredients or those who had a serious reaction to a previous dose should consult a doctor before getting vaccinated.

Can I take the flu shot if I have a cold?

If you have mild cold symptoms, you can still get vaccinated. However, if you have a fever or feel very unwell, it’s best to wait until you recover.

Can we take other brand flu vaccines?

Yes, you can get the other brand FLU vaccine. WHO’s plays an important role in maintaining uniformity in Influenza Vaccine Strains with all the manufacturers. So, all the flu vaccines contain same strains, you have to choose the latest influenza vaccine available in the marketplace.

Why Adult Vaccination Matters More Than Ever in India's Ageing Population

Growing older brings wisdom, experience, and new milestones. But it also brings changes to the body's immune system. As we age, our natural ability to fight infections gradually declines, making older adults more vulnerable to diseases that could otherwise be prevented. This is one of the key reasons why adult vaccination in India has become an increasingly important part of healthy ageing.

India is witnessing a significant demographic shift. With improvements in healthcare and life expectancy, the country's elderly population is growing rapidly. According to government estimates, adults aged 60 years and above accounted for around 10.5% of India's population in 2022, and this number is expected to nearly double by 2050.¹ While this is a positive sign of longer life expectancy, it also means a greater risk of vaccine-preventable diseases if preventive healthcare does not keep pace.

This is where adult vaccination in India plays a crucial role. By embracing adult immunization in India, individuals can help protect themselves against serious illnesses, reduce the risk of complications, and support healthy ageing throughout later life.

Why Does Immunity Change with Age?

As people grow older, the immune system naturally undergoes a gradual decline, a process known as immunosenescence.² This means the body may not respond to infections as effectively as it once did, making older adults more susceptible to illnesses such as influenza, pneumonia, shingles, and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

At the same time, many older adults live with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or chronic lung disease. These conditions can further increase the risk of severe infections and related complications.

This is why vaccines for older adults are not simply an optional healthcare measure; they are an important part of preventive care.

India's Ageing Population: A Growing Public Health Priority

India is ageing faster than ever before. The proportion of adults aged 60 years and above is projected to increase significantly over the coming decades.¹

An ageing population brings new healthcare challenges, including:

Increased risk of infectious diseases
More hospitalizations due to respiratory illnesses
Greater burden of chronic diseases
Higher healthcare costs
Increased need for preventive healthcare strategies

Strengthening adult vaccination in India is one of the most effective ways to prepare for this demographic transition while promoting healthier, more independent lives for older adults.

Influenza: An Under-Recognized Threat Among Older Adults

When people think about influenza, they often consider it a short-term seasonal illness. However, for older adults, influenza can sometimes lead to serious complications.

Studies estimate that influenza contributes to approximately 1.25 lakh deaths annually in India, with nearly two-thirds of these deaths occurring among adults aged 65 years and older.³

Influenza may also lead to:

Hospitalization
Pneumonia
Worsening of heart disease
Exacerbation of chronic respiratory conditions
Increased recovery time in older adults

These statistics highlight why adult vaccination in India deserves greater attention not only during flu season but also as part of routine preventive healthcare.

The Adult Immunization Gap in India

Despite the availability of vaccines, uptake among older adults remains surprisingly low.

Findings from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) reveal that vaccination coverage among adults is far below desirable levels:⁴

Tetanus-Diphtheria (Td): 2.75%
Hepatitis B: 1.82%
Influenza: 1.59%
Pneumococcal vaccine: 0.74%

These numbers reflect a significant gap in adult immunization in India. Many adults remain unaware that vaccines are recommended beyond childhood, while others mistakenly believe vaccinations are only necessary for children.

Increasing awareness around adult immunization in India is essential to bridge this gap.

Vaccination Isn't Just for Children

One of the biggest misconceptions is that vaccines are only part of childhood healthcare.

In reality, immunity from some vaccines can decrease over time, and certain diseases pose a greater risk later in life. Additionally, new vaccines become relevant with age due to changing health risks.

This is where healthy ageing vaccination becomes an important concept. Rather than waiting for illness to occur, vaccination focuses on preventing disease before it happens.

Which Vaccines Are Commonly Recommended for Older Adults?

Healthcare professionals may recommend different vaccines based on age, medical history, and individual risk factors.

Some commonly recommended vaccines for older adults include:

Influenza Vaccine

Annual influenza vaccination helps reduce the risk of seasonal flu and its complications. Since influenza viruses change over time, yearly vaccination is recommended.⁵

Pneumococcal Vaccine

Pneumococcal disease can lead to pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and meningitis, particularly among older adults and people with chronic illnesses.⁶

Herpes Zoster (Shingles) Vaccine

Shingles results from the reactivation of the chickenpox virus and can cause severe nerve pain and long-term complications. Vaccination can significantly reduce this risk.⁷

Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Td/Tdap)

Adults may require booster doses over time to maintain protection against these serious bacterial diseases.⁸

Healthcare providers can recommend the most appropriate vaccination schedule based on an individual's health profile.

Benefits of Adult Vaccination

The advantages of adult vaccination in India extend beyond individual protection.

Vaccination can help:

Reduce the risk of serious illness
Lower hospitalization rates
Prevent disease-related complications
Support healthy and independent ageing
Reduce healthcare burden on families
Protect vulnerable individuals within communities

This is why experts increasingly describe adult immunization in India as an investment in long-term public health rather than simply disease prevention.

Healthy Ageing Begins with Prevention

Healthy ageing is about much more than living longer; it's about maintaining independence, mobility, and quality of life.

Regular health check-ups, balanced nutrition, physical activity, adequate sleep, and healthy ageing vaccinations all contribute to better health outcomes in later years.

Vaccination complements these healthy habits by helping reduce the likelihood of vaccine-preventable diseases that can significantly impact an older adult's wellbeing.

Protecting More Than Yourself

Vaccination also offers broader community benefits.

Older adults often spend time with grandchildren, family members, caregivers, and friends. By reducing the risk of infection, vaccines for older adults may also help lower the chance of transmitting certain illnesses to others, including those who may be medically vulnerable.

This collective approach strengthens community health while supporting healthier families.

Building Awareness Around Adult Immunization

Although awareness of childhood vaccination is high in India, conversations around adult vaccination are still evolving.

Improving awareness requires collaboration among healthcare professionals, policymakers, caregivers, and families. Routine discussions about adult immunization in India during regular health check-ups can help individuals make informed decisions about preventive healthcare.

As India's ageing population continues to grow, preventive strategies like vaccination will become increasingly important in supporting healthier communities.

The Road Ahead

India's demographic landscape is changing rapidly. Longer life expectancy is a remarkable achievement, but it also calls for greater focus on preventive healthcare.

With influenza continuing to place a substantial burden on older adults, and vaccination coverage remaining low, strengthening adult vaccination in India has never been more important.

By embracing adult immunization in India, encouraging the use of vaccines for older adults, and recognizing the value of healthy ageing, we can move towards a future where more people enjoy longer, healthier, and more active lives.

After all, healthy ageing isn't only about adding years to life; it's also about adding life to those years.

Reference

Indian Academy of Geriatrics. Vaccination for Older Adults in India: Position Statement of the Indian Academy of Geriatrics. Journal of the Indian Academy of Geriatrics. 2025.