~ Actor and women’s health champion Kajal Aggarwal recently unveiled the immunization schedule at an event in Mumbai supported by MSD Pharma ~
The Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI) recently unveiled a comprehensive immunization schedule for women that provides a comprehensive list of essential vaccines that adult women should receive, and the recommended frequency of each vaccine.
FOGSI and MSD Pharma have collaborated to raise awareness about women’s immunization and help prevent vaccine-preventable diseases in women across India.
Actor and women’s health champion Kajal Aggarwal unveiled the immunization schedule at an event in Mumbai recently. She was joined by Dr. Jaydeep Tank, President of FOGSI, Dr. Madhuri Patel, Sec. General of FOGSI, Prof. Dr. Hrishikesh Pai, Immediate Past President of FOGSI and current Trustee at FIGO (Asia – Oceania), Dr. Reshma Pai, Past President of FOGSI, Dr. Nandita Palshetkar, Past President FOGSI and Past President ISAR (Indian Society of Artificial Reproduction) along with Dr. Priya Ganeshkumar, Chairperson of FOGSI Oncology Committee, who has been leading the project for FOGSI.
Following the launch, the speakers engaged in a panel discussion on the ‘Importance of Immunization & Vaccine-Preventable Diseases in Women’. A report highlights that women spend 25% more time in poor health compared to men. Vaccination can help change this and safeguard women from vaccine-preventable diseases, contributing to an improved quality of life.
Dr Jaydeep Tank, President, FOGSI said, “ This comprehensive resource will provide a clear actionable roadmap to both women and doctors resulting in increased awareness about vaccination. Immunization is critical in protecting women against vaccine-preventable diseases and thereby helping reduce its burden in India. I firmly believe that this schedule will make a substantial contribution to the overall health and well-being of women in India and benefit the society as a whole.”
The panel emphasized the urgency towards sensitizing people and health care providers on adult vaccination as it can help save millions of lives in India, changing the situation and protecting more people in the future.”
Rehan A. Khan, Managing Director of MSD India Region said, “Managing one’s health can be challenging without proper information, but with tools such as the immunization calendar, it can be made simpler. We urge all women to consult their healthcare professionals to understand the steps they can take to better protect themselves. We strongly believe that efforts like this will contribute significantly to protecting women in India from vaccine-preventable diseases.”
The period after childbirth is a crucial stage in a woman’s life. During this time, her body undergoes significant immune and hormonal changes, increasing the risk of infection. Notably, 31% of women are at a high risk of HPV infection post-birth, making vaccination essential for a new mother’s health. The immunization schedule emphasizes vaccines that are particularly important for new mothers.
Unfortunately, more than two-thirds of Indian adults are unaware of adult vaccination, with many believing that vaccines are only for children. Therefore, concerted efforts are needed to raise public awareness and educate healthcare practitioners about Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPDs) and the benefits of adult vaccination. This increased awareness is crucial to addressing the issue of low vaccine coverage, especially among women.
Dr. Priya Ganeshkumar, Chairperson of the FOGSI oncology committee and Co-ordinator for FOGSI Mahila Kavach Kendra said, “Studies have shown that increasing physicians’ knowledge and awareness on vaccines significantly improves vaccination rates. Information, counseling, and non-directed guidance are perhaps among the most important motivators for improving vaccine uptake. It’s because of this that FOGSI decided to provide their member gynecologists the FOGSI Handbook on Prevention & Management of Cervical Cancer and has also recently launched FOGSI FOCUS PLUS on Adult Women Vaccination, which is of immense importance in confidence building amongst the gynecologists to counsel their patients on the available vaccines and the preventable diseases, including cervical cancer.”
