Adult Immunization in Occupational Settings: A Consensus of Indian Experts.

Abstract

There is an increasing focus on instituting wellness programs at the workplace among organizations in India. Such programs are aimed at improving employee health, which in turn, helps in reducing absenteeism, as well as in increasing work productivity and improving employee engagement. Of note, adult vaccination plays a significant role in ensuring the well-being of employees, as well as in keeping an organization profitable. The burden of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) in adults is increasing in India, causing significant morbidity and disability. Moreover, adult immunization is an underpublicized concept in India. There is an urgent need to create awareness about adult immunization in India, particularly in occupational health settings—both at the employee and employer levels. In view of this, an expert meeting was held under the aegis of the Indian Association of Occupational Health (IAOH) to discuss key issues pertaining to the burden of VPDs in the working population in India and to formulate guidelines on adult vaccination in occupational health settings. This consensus guideline document may act as a guide for organizations across India to create awareness about adult vaccination and also to design workplace vaccination programs to promote better health among employees.