Delhi faces high winter hospitalization risks as elderly lack free pneumococcal vaccination

Delhi's elderly population remains largely unprotected against pneumonia and respiratory infections as adult vaccination coverage among people aged 60 and above sits at 0.40 per cent.

While infants receive free pneumococcal conjugate vaccines under the national immunization programme, older adults must rely on an unaffordable private market.

Industry estimates indicate that winter air pollution and respiratory illnesses cause hospital stays averaging around ₹50,000, with intensive care costs reaching up to ₹1 lakh.