Abstract: Background: Since its advent in the 17th century, vaccines have come a long way in preventing diseases and raising the standards of health across the globe. In adults, vaccine-preventable diseases such as pneumonia, hepatitis B, tetanus etc. are a source of morbidity and mortality. However, in India, much like the rest of the world, children remain the focus of vaccination and its importance and need in adults is yet to be emphasized.
Objectives: A cross-sectional study to gauge the perceptions and attitudes towards adult vaccinations.
Methods: Individuals working in the information technology sector of companies were approached. Data was collected via an online and physical questionnaire. Responses were documented in Microsoft Excel following which data compilation and analysis was carried out.
Results: In our study population (N=171), only 31.57% were aware of adult vaccines. 6.43% believed that vaccines do not prevent illness. 13.11% believed that vaccines themselves caused illnesses. 54.38% of individuals believed in herd immunity. 70.76% of the study population did not keep a record of the vaccines they have taken. 75.43% answered that taking vaccinations does not add a financial burden. 59.64% did not know where to go in order to take the vaccines. Most commonly received vaccines were Hepatitis B and Varicella while the majority of the participants had not been recommended pneumococcal, Tdap/Td, HPV or typhoid vaccines.
Conclusion: Our study shows that the perceptions towards adult vaccines stems from lack of knowledge and not from hostility towards adult vaccines. Research and surveillance systems are required to assess ways to optimize immunization coverage in target populations. Individuals and health care providers must be educated on the importance of adult vaccines in order to increase its reception.