A pioneering public health initiative has taken shape in the Northeast as AIIMS Guwahati launched its adult immunisation clinic. This new facility aims to protect adults and high-risk groups from vaccine-preventable diseases, addressing a long-standing gap in India’s healthcare system. While childhood immunisation has received strong attention for decades, adult vaccination has remained overshadowed, leaving many vulnerable to illnesses such as influenza, pneumococcal infections, and hepatitis.
Inauguration on World Immunisation Day
As reported by TOI, the clinic was inaugurated on November 10, aligning with World Immunisation Day, under the leadership of Prof. Ashok Puranik, Executive Director of AIIMS Guwahati. He described the clinic as a milestone for the region and noted that it reflects this year’s theme, “Immunisation for All is Humanly Possible.”
Rationale Behind the Initiative
Prof. Puranik explained that the idea for the clinic emerged from the need to address vaccine-preventable diseases among adults—an area often overlooked in India’s public health programmes. He highlighted that while the Universal Immunisation Programme has effectively targeted children and pregnant women, adult vaccination coverage remains inadequate. “Adults continue to remain at risk for diseases such as influenza, pneumococcal infections, hepatitis, HPV-related cancers, and tetanus,” he said.
Growing Need for Adult Vaccination
Doctors emphasise that rising life expectancy and an increasing burden of chronic diseases make preventive adult vaccination more crucial than ever. Therefore, the clinic aims to improve access to adult vaccines, promote awareness about immunisation beyond childhood, and incorporate vaccination into broader preventive and occupational health strategies.
Who the Clinic Will Serve
The new facility will cater to adults above 18 years, senior citizens over 60, and individuals with comorbidities such as diabetes, COPD, cancer, and renal diseases. It will also serve healthcare workers, institutional staff, and high-risk occupational groups, including laboratory personnel.
Leaders Present at the Launch
Several senior faculty members attended the inauguration, including Prof. Brian Shunyu (Medical Superintendent), Prof. Bhupen Barman (Head of Medicine), Prof. Saswati Tripathy (Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology), and Prof. Unmona Borgohain Saikia (Nursing Principal).