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Why Vaccination Matters At Every Stage Of Life: From Pregnancy To Healthy Ageing
Why Vaccination Matters At Every Stage Of Life: From Pregnancy To Healthy Ageing
Vaccination is often associated with childhood, but experts say protection against infections must extend far beyond the early years. From safeguarding newborns to protecting ageing adults, immunisation plays a critical role across every stage of life.
“It is critical to recognise that protection against infections must continue well beyond childhood," says Dr Monalisa Sahu, Consultant, Infectious Diseases, Yashoda Hospital, Hyderabad. She explains that as people age, the immune system undergoes a natural decline, a process known as immunosenescence which reduces its ability to fight infections effectively.
This vulnerability is further compounded by the rising burden of chronic illnesses. “Conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, COPD, and kidney disorders weaken immune defences, placing older adults at a significantly higher risk of complications from infections like influenza and shingles," notes Dr Sahu.
For older individuals, these infections are far from mild. “Influenza can trigger secondary infections such as pneumonia or worsen existing heart and metabolic conditions," she says. Shingles, caused by the reactivation of the varicella virus, can lead to post-herpetic neuralgia, a persistent and often debilitating nerve pain that affects sleep, mobility, and overall quality of life.
Vaccination, therefore, becomes a key tool in maintaining health and independence. “Timely vaccination can help prevent these infections and reduce the risk of serious complications," explains Dr Sahu. “By stimulating protective antibodies, vaccines enable the immune system to recognise and respond more effectively to infections, even as immunity naturally wanes with age."
But the importance of vaccination begins even earlier during pregnancy. “Pregnancy is a delicate and transformative phase that requires special care," says Dr Jyoti Bhaskar, Gynaecologist & Obstetrician and Additional Director, Cloudnine (East Delhi and Noida). While families often focus on nutrition and routine check-ups, she emphasises that vaccination is an equally critical aspect of maternal care.
“Pregnancy alters a woman’s immune system to support the growing foetus, but this change can also increase her vulnerability to infections such as influenza," explains Dr Bhaskar.
The risks extend beyond the mother. “Infections during pregnancy can lead to serious complications, including preterm birth, miscarriage, congenital defects, or even pose a threat to the mother’s life," she says. Some infections, like pertussis, may appear mild in the mother but can be transmitted to the newborn during delivery, where they can become life-threatening.
“Babies cannot be vaccinated against pertussis until six weeks of age, which makes early protection even more crucial," she adds.
This is where maternal vaccination becomes vital. “Vaccination during pregnancy is one of the most effective ways to protect both mother and child," says Dr Bhaskar. It not only reduces the mother’s risk of infection but also enables the transfer of protective antibodies to the baby through the placenta, offering critical protection in the first few weeks of life.
Together, these insights reinforce a broader shift in how healthcare views immunisation, not as a one-time intervention, but as a lifelong strategy.
Experts advocate a life-course approach to vaccination, where individuals actively update their immunisation status at different stages of life. “Adults should proactively speak with their healthcare provider about vaccination," advises Dr Sahu. She adds that the Association of Physicians of India recommends shingles vaccination for adults aged 50 and above, along with annual influenza vaccination for all adults.
Ultimately, vaccination is not just about preventing disease, it’s about preserving quality of life. Whether protecting a newborn, supporting a mother, or strengthening immunity in later years, it remains one of the most effective tools for ensuring healthier futures across generations.
Source: News18
Related Posts: importance of vaccination life stages, vaccination during pregnancy benefits, adult vaccination India, influenza vaccine adults, shingles vaccine age 50
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