The Indian Medical Association (IMA), in collaboration with Abbott in India, has launched Indian Immunisation Week from September 21 to 27, with a focus on improving awareness around influenza vaccination and addressing uncertainty about vaccination during or after fever.
The initiative includes expert-reviewed guidance for healthcare professionals on deciding when vaccination can be administered to people experiencing or recovering from an acute febrile illness.
According to the guidance, mild fever generally should not be a reason to postpone vaccination. For individuals with moderate to severe illness, vaccination may be deferred until recovery. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to provide a follow-up or vaccination date when a temporary delay is required, rather than leaving vaccination open-ended.
The initiative comes amid low adult immunisation coverage in India. National Sample Survey data cited by the IMA and Abbott found that 1.98% of adults aged 18 years and above had received adult vaccines, while coverage among people aged 60 years and above was 0.40%.
A 2026 multi-city study cited as part of the initiative also reported limited awareness and uptake of influenza vaccination among older adults, with 19.7% aware of influenza and 1.4% reporting that they had ever been vaccinated.
The campaign particularly focuses on groups at increased risk of complications from influenza, including young children, older adults, pregnant women, people with chronic conditions, individuals with weakened immune systems and healthcare workers.
The IMA said the recommendations were developed after an expert committee reviewed available scientific evidence and national and international immunisation recommendations. The guidance aims to help doctors distinguish between temporary illness-related considerations and situations where vaccination can proceed.
Dr Anilkumar J. Nayak, National President, IMA, said the recommendations are intended to provide healthcare professionals with a practical approach to vaccination decisions during and after fever.
Dr Parag Sheth, Regional Medical Director, Abbott in India, said the initiative aims to improve communication between doctors and patients and reduce concerns around fever becoming a barrier to timely influenza vaccination.
The IMA and Abbott said Indian Immunisation Week is envisioned as an annual national platform to promote adult immunisation awareness, preventive healthcare and timely influenza vaccination.