The growing burden of chronic diseases and an ageing population is placing significant strain on Pakistan’s healthcare system.
Adult immunisation presents a practical and effective solution to this challenge. Vaccines against influenza, pneumococcal disease, and shingles are widely used around the world to help protect adults from serious and potentially life-threatening illnesses.
“However, awareness and uptake of adult vaccination in Pakistan remain low. Many individuals seek medical care only after becoming ill, often when complications have already developed. This reactive approach comes at a significant cost,” said Prof Nadeem A Rizvi, Consultant Chest Physician at South City Hospital and former Head of the Department of Chest Medicine at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre.
He explained that hospitalisation, medication expenses, and prolonged recovery periods place a heavy financial burden on families, while at the national level this contributes to rising healthcare costs and reduced workforce productivity—commonly referred to as the “economic burden” of disease.
Preventive healthcare helps reverse this trend. Research, including studies from the Office of Health Economics, indicates that investment in prevention reduces long-term costs while improving overall health outcomes. Vaccination is considered one of the most effective preventive measures available.
He added that doctors in Pakistan can play a key role by routinely discussing adult vaccines with patients, especially those over 50 or living with chronic conditions. Employers can also support this effort by introducing workplace vaccination programmes that help reduce absenteeism and improve employee well-being.
For policymakers, the opportunity is evident: incorporating adult immunisation into national health strategies can help reduce the disease burden, ease pressure on hospitals, and improve overall public health outcomes.
“The future of healthcare in Pakistan depends on shifting the focus from treating illness to preventing it. Adult immunisation is a simple yet highly impactful step that can lead to healthier lives and a stronger, more resilient nation,” he said.
He further noted that for many people, vaccines are still associated mainly with childhood—such as polio drops, hepatitis injections, chickenpox and measles vaccines, and school immunisation records carefully preserved by parents.
“But immunity is not a one-time event. As people age, protection against several diseases naturally weakens, making adult immunisation an essential yet often overlooked component of public health,” he said.
He explained that adult immunisation refers to vaccines recommended beyond adolescence to protect against infections that can become more severe with age or existing health conditions. These include influenza, pneumococcal disease, shingles, hepatitis, and in some cases, human papillomavirus (HPV), he added.
Each of these illnesses carries risks that extend far beyond temporary discomfort. Influenza alone can lead to serious complications in older adults, while pneumococcal infections may result in life-threatening conditions such as pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and meningitis.
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