Manipal Hospitals' collaboration with Pfizer for adult vaccination marks a proactive step towards preventive healthcare. With a Center of Excellence inaugurated, this initiative promises enhanced accessibility to vaccines and sets a precedent for targeted, effective healthcare strategies.

Andhra Pradesh, India: Manipal Hospitals, in a recent announcement on April 3, 2024, revealed its collaboration with Pfizer, an American multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology corporation. This partnership is aimed at enhancing patient care, particularly in advocating for adult vaccination. Doctors at Manipal emphasized that vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) impose a substantial health burden in developing nations. They highlighted that hospitalization rates due to VPDs are notably high among adults with conditions such as chronic lung disease, chronic heart disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and cancer.

In response to this pressing issue, the hospital plans to implement a strategic approach to improve the efficiency and customization of the adult vaccination program. Notable vaccines like Pneumococcal, Influenza (QIV), Haemophilus influenzae type B, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV2, HPV4, HPV9) will be made available at Manipal Hospitals. Following this initiative, a Center of Excellence (CoE) for adult vaccination was inaugurated by Sudhakar Kantipudi, the cluster director of Manipal Hospitals.

In creating a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem to combat vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), Manipal Hospital in Vijayawada has joined forces with Pfizer, establishing both a Center of Excellence (CoE) and a hub for adult vaccination. VPDs have become a significant health concern in developing countries, with more than 95% of related deaths occurring among Indian adults, surpassing those from noncommunicable diseases. The hospitalization rates due to VPDs are particularly impactful on adults with chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer. Additionally, individuals above 50 years old face an increased risk of diseases such as pneumococcal disease.

After the inauguration of the CoE by Manipal Hospitals' cluster director, Dr. Sudhakar Kantipudi, a scientific summit was conducted with senior clinicians. The summit delved into various topics, including the importance of early vaccination in patients with comorbidities, particularly focusing on the elderly cohort. There was also a panel discussion addressing the prioritization of risk groups for pneumococcal vaccinations.

According to TechSci Research, this collaboration between Manipal Hospitals and Pfizer has the potential to significantly impact the growth of the healthcare market, particularly in the realm of adult vaccination and preventive care. By establishing a Center of Excellence (CoE) and a dedicated hub for adult vaccination, Manipal Hospital in Vijayawada is not only addressing a critical health concern but also setting a precedent for proactive healthcare strategies.

The availability of a wide range of vaccines like Pneumococcal, Influenza (QIV), Haemophilus influenzae type B, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) at Manipal Hospitals signifies a more comprehensive approach to preventive healthcare. This increased accessibility can lead to greater public awareness and participation in vaccination programs, ultimately contributing to the reduction of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) in the region.

Moreover, the inauguration of the CoE and the scientific summit organized by Manipal Hospitals signal a commitment to research, education, and collaboration in the field of adult vaccination. This can attract attention from other healthcare providers, researchers, and policymakers, potentially leading to further investments in preventive care infrastructure. As other hospitals and healthcare institutions observe the success and impact of this collaboration, they may be encouraged to develop similar initiatives, thereby fostering a culture of preventive healthcare in the region.