Forum: Do more to raise awareness of recommended adult vaccinations
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I recently experienced shingles and realised how painful and disruptive it can be. It made me much more conscious about protecting myself against diseases that can affect us as we grow older. Yet I also realised that adult vaccination is rarely front of mind.
I am usually reminded about taking a flu vaccine only when I read news reports about a particularly severe flu season. In contrast, with childhood vaccination, parents generally know there is a schedule to follow.
My family and friends are also not fully aware which vaccines are recommended for older adults, when we should receive them, or whether recommendations have changed over time.
How many eligible adults are missing the opportunity to protect themselves because they are unaware of the recommended vaccinations for their age group or health condition?
During the Covid-19 pandemic, reminders from the Government helped us understand when vaccination was recommended and what we needed to do next. Similar efforts, alongside advice from healthcare professionals, could help adults better understand the vaccinations available to them and make informed decisions about their health.
Desmond Gin Wei Guang