IMA, Abbott launch Indian Immunization Week to promote influenza vaccination
New Delhi, Sept 21 (TNT): The Indian Medical Association (IMA), in collaboration with Abbott in India, has launched Indian Immunization Week from September 21 to 27 to raise awareness about preventive healthcare and annual influenza vaccination.
The nationwide initiative seeks to equip healthcare professionals with practical guidance on vaccine administration, particularly for individuals experiencing or recovering from fever.
The initiative comes amid low adult immunisation coverage in the country. According to data cited by the organisers, only 1.98 per cent of adults aged 18 years and above have received adult vaccines, while the coverage among those aged 60 years and above stands at 0.40 per cent.
A 2026 multi-city study found that 19.7 per cent of adults aged 60 years and above were aware of influenza, while 1.4 per cent had been vaccinated against it.
As part of the initiative, the IMA has issued expert-reviewed clinical recommendations to help healthcare professionals determine when vaccination can be administered to people experiencing or recovering from fever.
The guidance states that mild fever, in most cases, should not be a reason to delay vaccination, while vaccination may be deferred in cases of moderate to severe illness until the individual has recovered.
It also recommends that when vaccination is temporarily deferred, healthcare professionals provide patients with a specific follow-up or vaccination date.
IMA National President Dr Anilkumar J Nayak said the recommendations would provide healthcare professionals with practical guidance to help ensure timely vaccination, particularly among people at higher risk of flu-related complications.
The guidance is particularly relevant to young children, older adults, pregnant women, people with long-term health conditions, those with weakened immune systems and healthcare workers.
The document also states that influenza vaccination is recommended at any stage of pregnancy.
Dr Parag Sheth, Regional Medical Director, Abbott in India, said greater awareness and clear communication by doctors could help address concerns around fever and prevent them from becoming a barrier to timely influenza vaccination.
The IMA and Abbott said Indian Immunization Week is envisaged as an annual national platform to promote adult immunisation awareness, preventive healthcare and understanding of the role of vaccination in preventing disease and improving public health outcomes.
TNT KS
