Are the flu and pneumococcal vaccines effective in reducing the burden of respiratory infections and antimicrobial use in elderly populations? Looking to answer this question, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – the country’s apex body for the formulation, coordination, and promotion of biomedical research — has now invited Expression of Interest from research institutions to conduct studies to evaluate the effectiveness of vaccines for flu and pneumonia in reducing infections and subsequent antimicrobial use in susceptible population.
The impact of vaccinating the adults against vaccine-preventable diseases in terms of health, social and economic benefits is being increasingly recognised, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The population over 50 years is expected to represent 27% of the projected population in India in 2036 out of which 13% will be over 60 years.
