Similar to the global scenario, pneumococcal diseases are a significant health concern in India. Pneumococcal diseases occur frequently among adults and are largely preventable through vaccines. Globally, several guidelines and recommendations are available for pneumococcal vaccination in adults. However, owing to wide variations in the disease burden, regulatory landscape, and health-care system in India, such global guidelines cannot be unconditionally implemented throughout the country. To address these gaps, the Indian Chest Society and National College of Chest Physicians of India jointly conducted an expert meeting in January 2019. The aim of the discussion was to lay down specific evidence-based recommendations on adult pneumococcal vaccination for the country, with a view to further ameliorate the disease burden in the country. This article presents an overview of the closed-door discussion by the expert members on clinical practice guidelines to be followed for adult pneumococcal vaccination in India.
Keywords: Adult vaccination; India; PCV13; PPSV23; consensus-based recommendations; elderly; guidelines; pneumonia.