Vaccination for Older Adults in India: Position Statement of the Indian Academy of Geriatrics

India’s rapidly aging population faces a dual burden of noncommunicable and infectious diseases, with older adults being particularly vulnerable due to immunosenescence. Infections such as influenza, pneumococcal disease, herpes zoster, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, and hepatitis B contribute significantly to morbidity, hospitalization, and mortality in older adults. Despite the proven efficacy and safety of vaccines, coverage among Indian older adults remains exceptionally low, with national surveys reporting <3% for most vaccines. Barriers include a lack of national guidelines, limited awareness, cost, accessibility, and ageism. This position paper reviews the available literature on disease burden, vaccine efficacy, safety, and coverage, and proposes evidence-based recommendations for vaccination in older Indian adults aged 60 years and above. Implementation of structured, India-specific vaccination guidelines for older adults can substantially reduce preventable morbidity and mortality, promoting healthy aging. This is a narrative review and the position statement of the Indian Academy of Geriatrics (IAG) on vaccination for older adults in India, based on the best available evidence at the time of submission of this manuscript. These recommendations will help the clinical practitioners to take an informed decision regarding vaccination in older adults.