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Vaccination above 18 is a crucial aspect of maintaining good health and preventing serious diseases well into adulthood. While childhood vaccines are well emphasised, adults often overlook the importance of vaccines for adults to safeguard against infections that can cause severe complications later in life. Understanding which vaccine is best for adults, particularly in India, helps you make informed decisions that protect your health and the health of your loved ones.
If you're in Gurugram and seeking expert advice on adult vaccination, consulting our top Internal Medicine Specialist in Gurugram at the Manipal Hospitals can provide personalised vaccine recommendations tailored to your health status and age.
Synopsis
Why Vaccination Above 18 Matters
Our immune system weakens over time, and new threats from viruses and bacteria can emerge. Vaccines for adults help your body build immunity against such infections that might otherwise cause dangerous illness, long-term complications, or even death.
Vaccination above 18 is especially critical for those with chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or lung disorders—conditions common among adults that increase vulnerability to infections like the flu or pneumonia. Additionally, certain vaccines are recommended to protect against diseases that are more likely or severe in adulthood, such as shingles or HPV-related cancers.
Our expert internal medicine doctors in Gurugram emphasise routine vaccination for those above 18 as a proactive approach to health that prevents costly hospital stays and ensures a better quality of life.
Which Vaccine Is Best for Adults? A Detailed Overview
When it comes to adults, several vaccines stand out, each designed to prevent specific diseases. Here’s a look at key vaccines for adults that make up the recommended immunisation schedule:
1. Flu Vaccine for Adults
Flu vaccines for adults are essential, especially for those over 50 or with chronic health conditions. The influenza virus changes yearly, so an annual flu vaccine protects against the most current strains. In India, vaccination is usually advised before the monsoon and winter seasons when flu cases peak.
There are various types of flu vaccines, but for adults under 65, no particular vaccine is favoured over another by experts. For adults over 65, special high-dose and adjuvanted flu vaccines are preferred for better protection.
Our internal medicine doctors in Gurugram recommend the flu vaccine every year to minimise the risk of severe flu and its complications.
2. Chickenpox Vaccine for Adults
If you missed the chickenpox vaccination as a child or never had the disease, the chickenpox vaccine for adults is a must. Chickenpox can be more severe in adults, potentially causing pneumonia or brain inflammation.
The vaccine usually requires two doses spaced about a month apart. This vaccine helps prevent the itchy rash and complications associated with the virus.
Our internal medicine doctors in Gurugram advise adult patients to get vaccinated against chickenpox if they are at risk, ensuring they stay protected.
3. Hepatitis B Vaccine Dose for Adults
Hepatitis B is a viral infection affecting the liver, leading to long-term liver damage and increased risk of liver cancer. For adults, the hepatitis B vaccine dose involves a series of three 1 ml doses administered at 0, 1, and 6 months.
Many adults in India, who were not vaccinated as children, benefit greatly from this vaccination. Hepatitis B vaccination is especially recommended for healthcare workers, people with high-risk behaviours, and those with chronic illnesses.
Our experienced internal medicine doctors in Gurugram guide patients on the hepatitis B vaccine dose for adults and administer it safely.
4. Anti-Rabies Vaccine Dose for Adults
Rabies remains a deadly disease transmitted through animal bites. For adults exposed to potential rabies infection, the anti-rabies vaccine dose regimen usually involves multiple doses: typically a five-dose schedule on days 0, 3, 7, 14, and 28, depending on the severity of the wound. Immunoglobulin is also advisable along with the vaccine.
Post-exposure prophylaxis includes immediate wound care and timely vaccination. The vaccine can be administered intramuscularly or intradermally as per national guidelines.
In Gurugram, our internal medicine specialists provide prompt anti-rabies vaccination after animal bites, ensuring protection from this fatal disease.
5. Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine
Adults should receive a Tdap booster every 10 years. This combined vaccine protects against tetanus (lockjaw), diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). Pregnant women are advised to get one dose during each pregnancy to protect newborns.
This vaccine is crucial in India, where these diseases still occur. Our best internal medicine doctors in Gurugram routinely check vaccination status and recommend Tdap boosters as part of preventive care.
Which Vaccine Is Better in India? Expert Recommendations
Choosing which vaccine is better in India depends on your age, medical history, occupation, and lifestyle. Indian healthcare providers recommend key vaccines such as the flu vaccine for adults, the hepatitis B vaccine, Tdap, and pneumococcal vaccines as priorities.
The vaccine infrastructure in India supports various brands tested for safety and efficacy. Your internal medicine doctors in Gurugram can help you choose the best vaccine based on availability, cost, and your health needs. Local expertise makes vaccination easier and safer, ensuring you receive the best protection.
Summary Table: Key Vaccines for Adults and Diseases Prevented
|
Vaccine |
Disease Prevented |
Doses & Schedule |
|
Flu vaccine for adults |
Influenza (flu) |
Annual, before flu season |
|
Chickenpox vaccine for adults |
Varicella (chickenpox) |
2 doses, 4 weeks apart |
|
Hepatitis B vaccine dose for adults |
Hepatitis B virus infection |
3 doses at 0, 1, and 6 months |
|
Anti-rabies vaccine dose for adults |
Rabies |
4-5 doses depending on exposure |
|
Tdap vaccine |
Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis |
Every 10 years, the pregnancy dose |
Enhancing Adult Vaccination with Internal Medicine Doctors in Gurugram
Vaccination above 18 requires a thoughtful approach to fit your unique context. General practitioners may not always provide detailed adult vaccine guidance. Our internal medicine doctors in Gurugram specialise in complex adult health and preventive care, including comprehensive vaccination planning.
They assess your vaccination history, current health conditions, and risk factors before recommending the best vaccines for adults. Whether it's the flu vaccine, chickenpox, hepatitis B, or anti-rabies vaccination, your consultation ensures accurate dosing and timing for optimal immunity.
Booking an appointment with our best doctors associated with the Department of Internal Medicine at the Manipal Hospitals, Gurugram makes vaccination smooth, safe, and highly beneficial.
FAQ's
Vaccination above 18 boosts immunity against diseases that can have serious complications in adulthood. It protects your health and reduces the spread of infectious diseases.
The best vaccines include the flu vaccine for adults, the hepatitis B vaccine, Tdap, the chickenpox vaccine, and the anti-rabies vaccine, depending on individual risk factors and age.
Adults should get the flu vaccine yearly, especially before the flu season (monsoon and winter in India), to protect against changing flu virus strains.
Adults typically receive three 1 ml doses of the hepatitis B vaccine at 0, 1, and 6 months for full protection.
Our Internal medicine doctors in Gurugram are highly qualified to advise, administer, and follow up on adult vaccination, ensuring personalised and safe care.
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