Vaccinations have protected humans from diseases that were once harmful or deadly for children, adults and the elderly for years. They have served as the bedrock of human survival as people across the globe still suffer from serious illnesses that vaccines can help prevent. Despite saving millions of lives and many people staying on top of it, the penetration of vaccines in the country still showcases a staggering disparity. A report by NFHS-5 highlights the severity of this situation and reveals- the country’s full immunisation coverage stands at 76.1% and yet still one out of every four children misses out on essential vaccines. For more information in this context, we spoke to Dr Sushant Gupta, Regional Clinical Head, Apollo Home Healthcare who shared his insights with us in this article.
India is a highly diverse country with a burgeoning population that finds itself vulnerable to inaccessible vaccination services due to the influence of socioeconomic and mobility differences. In fact for many individuals, elderly, disabled, and chronically ill, visiting conventional healthcare facilities is not a possibility, which exposes them to additional risks. Given that scenario, the advent of home healthcare presents a promising opportunity, as it ensures universal access to vaccination by bringing healthcare services directly to the individual’s home.
“With the power to bridge the gap between vulnerable populations and crucial medical interventions like vaccinations, home healthcare is a pivotal tool that can overcome the barriers and refurbish the vaccination process altogether,” shares Dr Gupta.
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Convenience and Comfort
Answering why vaccination percentage is lower in the country, Dr Gupta says, “For long, mobility constraints have prevented people from availing access to standard vaccination services. Lack of public transportation, advanced infrastructure and long distance healthcare facilities have contributed to reduced vaccinations.”
“Home healthcare addresses such concerns by allowing individuals to access vaccination services from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the need to travel to far-off healthcare facilities. In addition, by receiving vaccination in familiar surroundings, patients tend to feel relaxed and less stressed, which has been beneficial for individuals with autism and sensory sensitivities,” he adds.
Mitigating Potential Risks
When it comes to administering vaccines, the quality and training of the professionals can certainly not be overlooked. Home Healthcare service providers focus on training their staff for accurate vaccine administration. This prepares them to readily address any adverse risks by following a standard operating protocol and appropriate cold chain is maintained. Taking a step further in mitigating any potential risks, home healthcare service providers conduct both pre-vaccination screening and post-vaccination monitoring to promptly identify and address any severe reactions.
Also Read: Vaccination In Older Adults, How It Can Promote Healthy Ageing In India
Personalised Care and Accessibility for All
“Being recognized for its individualised approach to healthcare, home healthcare services focus on their patient-centricity, as these services can be personalised according to the specific needs of each patient. In the context of accessibility, home healthcare providers take the responsibility to deliver vaccinations directly to the doorstep of all individuals, whether it's the elderly or those with disabilities, which ensures equitable access to immunisation services,” shares Dr Gupta.
Enhancing Community Outreach and Awareness
The first step towards change is awareness. Hence, it is imperative to boost awareness about vaccination and its pivotal role in ensuring prevention and protection from infectious diseases. As part of raising awareness, home healthcare providers are actively working towards facilitating community outreach and education initiatives. They educate patients and their families about the importance of vaccination and play a crucial role in debunking myths and misconceptions associated with the same. Thus, by promoting vaccine literacy, home healthcare programs have fostered trust in immunisation services and have led to increased uptake rates.
Also Read: What Are Most Important Vaccines for Children In India?
Advent of Holistic Healthcare
Apart from administering vaccines, home healthcare programs offer a wide spectrum of medical services that can help bolster a holistic outlook on healthcare. From health assessment, to medication management, and wound care, these programs can create an open communication channel to empower patients to talk about any potential issues or share their anxieties. The integration of vaccines into the existing home healthcare program will offer a holistic approach to wellness, by effectively addressing both preventative and curative aspects of healthcare.
Final Thoughts
Summing up, Dr Gupta says, “In order to expand equitable access to vaccination, home healthcare can prove to be a strategic imperative for boosting global public health. By capitalising on an approach that brings vaccination services directly to the comfort of the home, these programs can be an ultimate asset in addressing the barriers associated with limited access. By releasing their full potential, the healthcare industry stands a chance to promote equity in healthcare delivery.”