Kolkata is witnessing a significant and urgent rush for protective vaccines against pneumonia and influenza, driven by a sharp increase in cases of these respiratory illnesses. The demand is particularly pronounced among the city's elderly population, with private hospitals and clinics reporting a marked uptick in requests since the middle of November.
Hospitals Report Sharp Increase in Vaccine Administration
Leading healthcare institutions across the city have provided concrete data highlighting this trend. Woodlands Hospital has recorded a striking 55% rise in the combined administration of influenza and pneumonia vaccines between 2024 and 2025. Similarly, BP Poddar Hospital has observed an almost 20% increase in the number of people receiving pneumococcal and influenza vaccines compared to the previous year.
This surge is directly linked to a rise in patients suffering from respiratory ailments. For instance, the BP Poddar Chest Clinic has been attending to an average of 20-25 new patients daily in the recent week. Other hospitals like Charnock Hospital and Techno India DAMA Hospital have also confirmed a spike in both vaccine demand and respiratory disease cases.
Medical Experts Issue Urgent Vaccination Advisory
Doctors are strongly recommending vaccination as a critical preventive measure ahead of the full force of winter. Bhaskar Narayan Chowdhury, chief microbiologist at Peerless Hospital, emphasized the heightened risk, stating, "Those with asthma, lung ailments, or structural lung disease should take the pneumonia vaccine since temperature fluctuations and pollution have already unleashed a range of potentially life-threatening viruses." He advised that individuals above 60 years should consider both vaccines.
Echoing this, Dr. Soumya Sengupta, head of pulmonology at Charnock Hospital, recommended a trio of vaccines—pneumonia, influenza, and DTP (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus)—to be taken before winter sets in. The benefits are substantial. Dr. Sandip Mandal, a pulmonology consultant at Woodlands Multispeciality Hospital, noted that these vaccines can help prevent serious infections, hospitalizations, and roughly 60-70% of flu infections.
Key Differences and Target Groups Highlighted
Medical professionals have clarified the distinct vaccination schedules for the two diseases. The pneumonia vaccine is generally a one-time inoculation believed to provide protection for several years, while the influenza vaccine needs to be taken annually. The rush for the flu shot typically begins earlier, around October.
The primary beneficiaries of timely vaccination are clearly identified. Dr. Abhishek Kolay, consultant pulmonologist at BP Poddar, specified that adults above 50, and those with pre-existing conditions like asthma, COPD, heart disease, or compromised immunity, stand to gain the most. Due to the high demand, hospitals like BP Poddar are advising patients to book a prior appointment to ensure they can receive their shots without delay.
This collective data and expert guidance underscore a critical public health message for Kolkatans: with winter approaching and pollution levels fluctuating, proactive vaccination is a vital shield against severe respiratory complications.
