Flu Kills 1.2 Lakh Indians Every Year: Study

Influenza, commonly known as flu, is emerging as a major public health concern in India, with an estimated 1.2 lakh deaths reported every year, according to findings published in the Journal of the Indian Academy of Geriatrics. The report highlights that around 66% of these deaths occur among people aged 65 years and above, making senior citizens the most vulnerable group.

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Despite the significant health risk, vaccination coverage among elderly Indians remains critically low. The report reveals that less than 2% of senior citizens in the country have received a flu vaccine, raising concerns among healthcare experts about the lack of awareness and preventive healthcare measures.

Experts cited data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI), which paints a worrying picture of adult vaccination in the country. The study found that vaccination rates among older adults remain below 3% for most preventable diseases.

According to the data:

• Tetanus-Diphtheria vaccination: 2.75%
• Hepatitis B vaccination: 1.82%
• Influenza vaccination: 1.59%
• Pneumococcal vaccination: 0.74%

Healthcare experts say these numbers reflect a serious gap in preventive healthcare for India’s rapidly growing elderly population.

Dr. Suranjit Chatterjee of Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals emphasized the urgent need to improve adult vaccination coverage.

“Adult vaccination levels in India remain extremely low and require significant improvement. Vaccination is an investment in health that can prevent infections and reduce hospitalisations among older adults,” he said.

The report was prepared by a team of experts led by Dr. Sunny Singhal of SMS Medical College, Jaipur, in collaboration with specialists from AIIMS Delhi, JIPMER Puducherry and Christian Medical College, Vellore.

Researchers noted that India’s population is ageing rapidly. According to 2022 estimates, people aged 60 years and above accounted for 10.5% of the country’s population, and this figure is expected to nearly double by 2050. However, India still lacks a comprehensive national vaccination policy specifically designed for senior citizens.

Experts identified several barriers responsible for poor vaccination uptake, including:

• Lack of awareness
• Fear and misconceptions about vaccines
• High vaccine costs
• Limited availability in rural and remote areas

The expert panel has recommended routine vaccination for senior citizens against influenza, pneumonia, shingles and tetanus. They believe that introducing clear and simplified national guidelines for adult immunisation could significantly reduce illness, hospital admissions and deaths among the elderly population.

With India’s ageing population growing rapidly, health experts warn that expanding vaccine coverage among older adults must become a national priority to prevent avoidable deaths and reduce the burden on the healthcare system.

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