Adult immunization clinic launched in Kolkata hospital

KOLKATA: Existing comorbidities have once again come into the fore during the pandemic when adults, especially those with pre-existing ailments have been at the receiving end.

A city hospital has on Friday opened an upgraded adult immunization Clinic that will offer all available vaccines with the aim to protect the adult population with some major ailments.

“We believe that prevention is better than cure and the "Covid-19 pandemic has taught this to us in no uncertain terms. A good number of infectious diseases are preventable by immunizing with vaccines,” said Pradip Tondon CEO Belle Vue Clinic.

Dr Sourabh Kole,

ITU

in-charges aid the adult immunization clinic will offer vaccines including that for pneumonia, hepatitis A and B, meningitis, varicella, rabies, inactivated poliovirus (IPV), measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), human papillomavirus infection (

HPV

), tetanus, diphtheria, cancer and influenza.

The clinic to be attended by senior physicians will function three days a week. In addition to adults, the immunization clinic will cater to the adolescent population.

“With age, people become more susceptible to serious diseases caused by pneumonia and flu among others, resulting in preventable morbidity and even mortality. Also, immunity can begin to fade over time and immunization offers the right protective shield,” said Kole, critical care expert and founder president of

Indian Society for Adult Immunization

(

ISAI

).

“Various strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) spread through sexual contact and are associated with most cases of cervical cancer. Gardasil 9 is an HPV vaccine, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, for men & women between 9 & 45,” he added.

The maiden

Virtual World Congress

on adult immunization was held in April end week this year. ISAI and the Belle Vue adult immunization clinic have collaborated to upgrade the facilities. The society is planning a course on adult immunization in collaboration with the World Health Organization.