Hospitals across Kolkata are witnessing a significant and sudden increase in demand for vaccinations against pneumonia and influenza. This surge is particularly noticeable among the city's senior citizen population, who face a higher risk of severe infections during the winter season.
Cold Weather Triggers Health Concerns
This increased demand coincides with a dip in minimum temperatures, which recently touched 10 degrees Celsius. Medical facilities have reported a concurrent rise in the number of patients suffering from both diseases, leading to increased hospital admissions. The combination of cold weather and heightened infection rates has created an urgent need for preventive care, depleting vaccine stocks faster than anticipated at some centers.
Hospitals Adapt to Meet Rising Demand
Healthcare providers are swiftly adapting to manage the influx. Manipal Hospitals proactively circulated WhatsApp messages encouraging safe and effective vaccination under expert supervision, including a direct link for booking appointments. Dr. Sayan Chakrabarty, an infectious diseases physician at Manipal, noted that individuals with a history of pneumonia are especially keen to get vaccinated now. He emphasized that the ideal time for these shots is before the onset of winter.
At BP Poddar Hospital, authorities have observed a nearly 20% increase in people opting for pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations over the past year. Supriyo Chakrabarty, Group Advisor, stated that the hospital now advises prior appointments to manage stock and ensure availability. "In the last week alone, we received close to 50 vaccination-related appointments," he revealed.
Vaccination Proven to Reduce Severity
Medical experts are strongly advocating for immunization based on clear clinical outcomes. Dr. Soumya Sengupta, Head of Pulmonology at Charnock Hospital, provided a stark comparison. He reported a significant spurt in influenza cases across age groups, but noted that vaccinated patients experienced only mild symptoms and avoided ICU admission. In contrast, unvaccinated patients often suffered severe breathing distress, requiring oxygen support and intensive care.
Dr. Abhishek Kolay, a consultant pulmonologist at BP Poddar Hospital, explained the risks. "Community-acquired pneumonia and influenza can deteriorate rapidly, leading to hospitalisation with serious complications, particularly among high-risk individuals," he said. He cited factors like air pollution, sudden weather changes, and age-related immunity decline as key contributors. Dr. Kolay clarified the vaccination schedule: the influenza vaccine is an annual requirement, while pneumococcal vaccines follow a structured, individualized plan based on age and risk profile.
Leveraging existing infrastructure, Techno India DAMA Hospital is utilizing the systems established during the Covid-19 pandemic. Medical Superintendent MS Purkait stated that their experience as a nodal vaccination centre during Covid is now helping them efficiently manage the increased demand for pneumonia and flu shots.
