The Association of Physicians of India (API) and Ipsos conducted a joint survey in 16 cities, involving adults aged 50 and up, caregivers, and doctors, to investigate the reasons for low adult immunization adoption in India. Although 71% of adults are aware of adult vaccination, only 16% have received it.

Doctors attribute this to a lack of guidelines, time constraints, and a patient preference for treatment over prevention. Patients frequently await doctor recommendations.

Patients (69%) and caregivers (76%) both believe doctors would advise if necessary. Participants believe that COVID-19 vaccination-like awareness campaigns could increase adult immunization.

In Mumbai, 73% of people are aware, but only 11% have received adult vaccines. Doctors are trusted by 50% of adults and 20% of caregivers. Vaccines were recommended to 9% of Mumbai's elderly, while 53% would seek advice from others.

Doctors in the Western Zone are concerned about patient reluctance, vaccine costs, and information gaps.

Dr Agam Vora, Secretary, The Association of Physicians of India said,

“Measures need to be taken to increase the confidence of doctors in recommending vaccination for adults aged 50 years or older. This is possible if formal guidelines on adult immunisation are set and widely shared. Programmes that address concerns, debunk myths, and remind patients and their caregivers frequently to ask doctors about adult vaccines can also drive adoption. Our survey also reveals that awareness of vaccine preventable diseases such as shingles is very low in India. We believe that only when adults aged 50 years and above are given complete information about the negative impact of VPDs, will they take immunisation seriously. We should also acknowledge the role that caregivers can play in improving the uptake of adult vaccination and create awareness programs that target them.”

Adult vaccination is hampered by misconceptions. Approximately 50% are concerned about vaccine dependency. Other methods, according to 58% of adults aged 50 and up and 62% of caregivers, provide better protection. In Mumbai, 52% agree, while 36% believe non-COVID diseases do not warrant vaccination.

A shingles-specific survey of adults aged 50 and up reveals a lack of knowledge about this vaccine-preventable disease. Shingles is caused by a reactivated chickenpox virus and affects adults. Misdiagnosis causes treatment to be ineffective. Pain bothers 79% of people, and 72% are unaware they have shingles. 73% are unaware of recurrence. Because 66% of patients have diabetes or hypertension, vaccination is critical..