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Time of India

IMA organizes vaccination campaign for doctors to raise awareness

Kochi: To create awareness about importance of vaccines at a time when there is an increase in communicable diseases, IMA Kochi has decided to hold a vaccination campaign for doctors and their family members. The aim is to spread the message among common people that vaccines are not harmful and can help improve quality of life. "As doctors, we dedicate ourselves to caring for others but often neglect our own health, especially when it comes to preventive measures. Adult vaccination against certain serious infections can be lifesaving," said IMA Kochi president Dr Jacob Abraham. He said communicable diseases are increasing in Kerala because public hygiene is deteriorating due to poor infrastructure development and population density. Vaccines to be provided include shingles vaccine, and influenza, pneumococcal, hepatitis A and HPV vaccines for the age group 9 to 26 years. "More recently, hepatitis A has become a threat due to sewage contamination of public water supply. Though the disease is mild in children, it can occasionally lead to liver failure and death in adults, especially those over 40 years of age. This too is a vaccine-preventable disease," said IMA Kerala research cell convener Dr Rajeev Jayadevan. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 99 Tips for Your Retirement Once Your Portfolio Reaches £250,000 Fisher Investments UK Undo "While all of us are aware of the importance of vaccinating children against deadly diseases, we often forget that adults also die from certain vaccine-preventable diseases. Top among these are influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia, against which safe and effective vaccines are available and are universally recommended. This drive will help protect doctors who are at greater risk due to being exposed to infectious agents," added Jayadevan. Abraham said the vaccine drive will help remove apprehensions and scepticism regarding vaccines in the minds of common people. IMA will also hold a vaccination camp on July 27.