srjcmsSRJCMSSRJCMS2788-885110.47310/srjcms.2025.v05i01.012Shot in the Dark: Public Awareness and Attitudes Towards Adult Vaccination in Solan DistrictBackground: Adult vaccination is a crucial yet often overlooked component of public health strategies aimed at preventing vaccine-preventable diseases such as Hepatitis B, influenza, Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancers, and COVID-19. In Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, characterized by predominantly rural populations and evolving healthcare access, there is limited data on community-level knowledge and attitudes toward adult vaccination. Materials and Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 adults aged 18 years and above across rural, semi-urban, and urban settings of Solan district from January to March 2025. Participants were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling via online platforms. A pre-validated bilingual (Hindi and English) questionnaire was used to assess socio-demographic details, awareness and knowledge about adult vaccines (Hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19 boosters, and HPV), attitudes toward vaccination, and sources of information. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0, employing descriptive statistics and chi-square tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Findings revealed that 79.5% of participants correctly identified the preventive purpose of adult vaccines, with strong awareness about Hepatitis B (74.0%), COVID-19 boosters (75.8%), and HPV vaccination (65.3%). However, knowledge regarding annual influenza vaccination (62.3%) and government vaccine programs (59.3%) was lower. Misconceptions regarding vaccine safety, eligibility, and strain protection persisted among 20%–35% of respondents. Knowledge classification showed 29.8% had "Very Good" knowledge, 43.5% "Good," 19.8% "Fair," and 7.0% "Poor." A predominantly rural composition (65.3%) emphasized the need for rural-focused interventions to bridge literacy and awareness gaps. Conclusion: While foundational awareness about adult vaccination is growing among the adult population in Solan district, significant knowledge gaps, persistent misconceptions, and uneven awareness of vaccination programs highlight the need for culturally tailored educational initiatives. Strengthening healthcare provider engagement, addressing socio-cultural barriers, and expanding community-based awareness campaigns are essential to normalize adult immunization and improve public health outcomes in the region.