<p>​When we think of vaccines, most of us think of childhood shots. Yet, vaccines aren&#39;t just for children—they are a vital shield for adults too, especially in countries like Pakistan, where chronic illnesses and infectious disease outbreaks are on the rise. The conversation must expand—protecting adults through vaccination is not just a medical recommendation but a public health priority that is too often overlooked.</p><p>Vaccines are essential for protecting adults against a range of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) that continue to pose significant health risks across Pakistan. Take hepatitis B (HBV), for example—an estimated <a href="https://academic.oup.com/jid/article/228/Supplement_3/S204/7273016">2 million people</a> in Pakistan are living with this chronic infection. Despite the availability of an effective vaccine, adult immunisation rates remain alarmingly low. Without proper vaccination, HBV can lead to severe liver disease and cancer. Scaling up adult vaccination efforts is essential to reducing HBV-related illness and death.  </p><p>Pakistan also has the highest diabetes prevalence in the world. In 2021, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) estimated that <a href="https://healthpolicy-watch.news/pakistan-has-the-worlds-highest-diabetes-prevalence-and-lacks-focus-on-prevention/">32.9 million adults</a> in Pakistan—26.7% of the adult population—were living with diabetes. Diabetes weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections, particularly in adults over the age of 65. Yet, adults with chronic conditions like diabetes are rarely prioritised in national vaccination efforts. </p><p>Unvaccinated adults can unknowingly transmit infectious diseases to those around them, putting their families, coworkers, and entire communities at risk. The ripple effect of missed vaccinations is significant, making adult immunisation a shared responsibility.  </p><p>Pakistan&#39;s rapid COVID-19 vaccination drive was a landmark success—<a href="https://www.gavi.org/vaccineswork/pakistan-has-vaccinated-more-than-80-population-against-covid-19?utm_source=chatgpt.com">over 80% of the adult population</a> was vaccinated, significantly reducing cases and fatalities. However, the pandemic also exposed key gaps in our healthcare system: misinformation, vaccine hesitancy, and limited outreach efforts kept many from getting vaccinated in time. These are lessons we must carry forward as we work to strengthen adult vaccination initiatives.  </p><p>Beyond COVID-19, Pakistan has faced recurring outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases such as influenza, measles, chickenpox, and diphtheria among adults, particularly in Sindh and Punjab. These outbreaks could have been largely prevented through timely vaccinations, which are readily available in the market. Yet, despite accessibility, most adults remain unvaccinated due to a lack of awareness and structured vaccination programmes. </p><p>Strengthening adult vaccination in Pakistan requires a multi-pronged approach. This includes educating the public through school curricula and health consultations, training healthcare workers to promote adult vaccines, and using media to combat misinformation. Policymakers and key stakeholders must also be engaged to develop a National Action Plan for adult immunisation. Expanding community outreach through mobile vaccination units, public awareness events, and digital reminders can further boost uptake. Ensuring vaccine availability and offering them free or at subsidised rates for high-risk groups will also encourage participation. </p><p>By prioritising adult immunisation, especially for those most at risk, we can prevent illness, protect families, and strengthen communities. This is not just a health measure; it&#39;s a call to action for a safer, healthier future for all.
</p><p><strong>Author:</strong> <a href="/pakistan/patientservices/pages/profiles.aspx?ProfileID=259&amp;Name=Nosheen%20Nasir&amp;page=findadoctor">Dr. Nosheen Nasir​</a>, Section Head, Adult Infectious Diseases, The Aga Khan University Hospital</p><p><strong>Note:</strong> This article was originally published in Urdu in <a href="https://jehanpakistan.com/epaper/detail_news.php?news=%2Fepaper%2Fepaper%2Fkarachi%2F010525%2FP3-11.jpg">Jehan Pakistan</a>.
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