ASSOCHAM concludes national series on adult immunization with high-level roundtable in New Delhi

The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) concluded its national series on Adult Immunization with a high-level roundtable on “Current Challenges of Adult Immunization and Way Forward” held in New Delhi. 

The event brought together senior medical experts, public health leaders, policymakers, and representatives from government and private sectors to discuss strategies for strengthening adult immunization in India, with a special emphasis on influenza. This final session followed a series of consultations conducted across Delhi, Srinagar, Jaipur, Lucknow, Bhubaneswar, and Bengaluru.

Opening the discussions, Dr. Jagdish Chandra, DG (RHS), Railway Board, underscored the need for increased awareness on adult vaccination, noting that “awareness to adult vaccination, especially among vulnerable groups in society, is the need. Additionally, vaccinations of healthcare professionals should be mandatory.”

Further building on the need for robust immunization practices, a representative from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India, emphasized the strong scientific foundation supporting vaccines, stating that “vaccines are a proven safe, efficacious & cost-effective measure to help prevent severe infections & mortality. As India seeks to fortify its health systems, life-course immunization can help reduce disease burden & India has all tools, including a robust regulatory system, to expand its immunization programme.”

Highlighting state-level priorities, Dr. Vikasendu Agarwal, Director – Communicable Disease, Department of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh, stressed the need for integrating influenza vaccination within essential healthcare packages, sharing that “adult immunization for influenza needs to be prioritized and installed as a part of the standard package of cost at least for high-risk groups such as geriatric population, healthcare workers, immunocompromised persons, and pregnant women.”

Adding a clinical perspective, Dr. Jayanta Kumar Panda, HOD, Department of Medicine, SCB Medical College and Hospital, and Former President, IMA Odisha, reiterated the availability and effectiveness of influenza vaccines. He noted that “effective influenza vaccines are already available in India. We have evidence that vaccination reduces both the incidence and severity of flu. To safeguard lives and prevent loss of productive workdays, we strongly recommend universal vaccination.”

Representing the industry view, Pushpak Khare, Regional Director – Commercial Development, Abbott India, highlighted the broader health implications of influenza and the importance of adult vaccination, stating that “India faces a dual burden of non-communicable and infectious diseases, including influenza, which increases the risk of complications, hospitalizations, and extended ICU stays. Vaccination is not just for children—adults also need protection, especially those at higher risk, such as older adults and individuals with chronic conditions or weakened immunity, must also be protected.”

The roundtable concluded with a unified commitment from stakeholders to advance awareness, strengthen policies, and enhance programs aimed at expanding adult immunization across India, reinforcing the nation’s efforts to safeguard public health and reduce the overall disease burden.