The 4 vaccines every adult over 60 needs this flu season, according to doctors

The Indian Council of Medical Research has confirmed that the H1N1 strain currently circulating in the country is not a new one, it remains part of the H1N1 pdm09 family that has been in circulation globally since the 2009 pandemic, and there is no cause for panic. But ICMR scientists have also been clear on who remains vulnerable: young children, the elderly, and those with underlying medical conditions face a significantly higher risk of complications.

The numbers back this up. Delhi has recorded 2,602 influenza cases so far this year, with H1N1 accounting for more than two thirds of them, and it has now overtaken H3N2 as the dominant subtype in the capital. Alongside this, Delhi NCR is also seeing dengue and chikungunya cases, with active clusters spreading through schools.

Children with their existing vaccination cover are largely riding it out fine. The people ending up in hospitals with serious infections are adults over 65 and those with underlying health conditions.

Health Wealth spoke with Dr Navin Dang, founder and director of Dr Dangs Lab, to understand what protection actually looks like for adults.

THE FIRST THING TO UNDERSTAND

None of the vaccines on this list stop you from catching an infection. What they do is bring down how severely it hits you. That is the difference between a bad week at home and a hospital bed, or worse, an ICU admission.

WHO THIS APPLIES TO

If you are 60 or older, or 50 or older with a serious comorbidity such as heart disease, lung disease or diabetes, doctors now classify you as high risk. According to the Association of Physicians of India Consensus Guidelines, four core vaccines are recommended for this group.

1. Influenza (Flu) Vaccine

Adults over 60, and those with heart or lung disease and diabetes, face a much higher risk of severe complications, hospitalisation or death from influenza than younger, healthier adults.

Frequency: One intramuscular dose every year, ideally before flu season begins.

2. Pneumococcal Vaccine

This protects against Streptococcus pneumoniae, the bacteria behind severe pneumonia, meningitis and bloodstream infections. Diabetes, COPD and chronic kidney disease all sharply raise this risk.

Frequency: A single dose of PCV20 provides broad coverage and is now the preferred option. Where PCV20 is unavailable, a dose of PCV13 followed by PPSV23 at least eight weeks later works as an alternative.

3. Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)

Immunity from childhood vaccination fades over time, and whooping cough in particular can be dangerous for older adults with existing lung conditions.

Frequency: One Tdap dose if you have not had it in adulthood, followed by a Td or Tdap booster every 10 years.

4. COVID-19 Booster

Periodic updated boosters remain advised for older adults and those with comorbidities, per current national health advisories.

Frequency: As per updated national guidance, periodically.

India will keep seeing new viruses and new variants; that is simply the nature of infectious disease today. This is not a reason to panic, but a reason to stay informed. Catch it early, treat it early, and take the vaccinations that apply to your specific risk profile.

This information is intended as a general guide. Consult your doctor to assess which of these vaccines apply to your individual health profile, existing conditions and medical history.

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