IMAHQ_UNIFIED_CONSENSUS_ON_ADULT_IMMUNIZATION_2026
FROM THE DESK OF
Dr. Anil Nayak
President, Indian Medical Association Headquarters
It gives me immense pleasure to present the Unified Consensus on Adult Immunization developed under the
leadership of Indian Medical Association – Mumbai West Branch. This important document is the result of a
remarkable collaborative effort in which 21 professional medical bodies have come together under the able
guidance of Dr. Rashmi Mehta, President, and Dr. Madhubala Chinchalkar, Secretary, to create a unified and
practical framework for adult vaccination in India.
The Indian Medical Association has always recognized the critical importance of immunization beyond
childhood. Nearly a decade ago, IMA took a pioneering step by advocating the concept of Life-Course
Immunization guideline, emphasizing that vaccination is not limited to the early years of life but remains a vital
preventive intervention throughout adulthood. Over the years, rapid advancements in medical science have
led to the development of new vaccines, stronger clinical evidence, and a deeper understanding of disease
prevention across different age groups. In this context, the need for an updated and comprehensive guideline
has become increasingly important.
India today stands at the threshold of a demographic transition. With improving healthcare, increasing life
expectancy, and a growing population of senior citizens, the need to protect adults from vaccine-preventable
diseases has never been more relevant. Adult immunization will play a pivotal role in ensuring healthier aging,
reducing disease burden, and strengthening preventive healthcare in our society.
I am delighted that the Indian Medical Association has taken the initiative to bring together multiple specialties
and professional bodies to develop these consensus-based Adult Immunization Guidelines. Such collective
efforts reflect the spirit of cooperation within the medical fraternity and our shared commitment to improving
public health outcomes.
I strongly urge all healthcare providers across the country to actively adopt and implement these
recommendations in their daily clinical practice. Vaccination remains one of the most powerful tools of
preventive medicine, and every eligible individual should be offered appropriate protection at the right time.
I
congratulate the leadership of Indian Medical Association – Mumbai West Branch, all participating
professional bodies, and every contributor involved in preparing this valuable document. I am confident that
these guidelines will serve as a practical reference for clinicians and will significantly contribute to
strengthening the culture of adult immunization in India.
Dr. Anil Nayak
President
Indian Medical Association Headquarters