PCV vaccine will be given to 19 lakh children every year

Various vaccines are given in the state under the regular vaccination program to protect children from various diseases. The new pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) has now been included in the routine immunization program, which will be given to about 1.9 million children every year, according to the health department.

PCV includes these vaccines:

Vaccines like BCG, Polio, Rotavirus, Pentavalent, Measles, Rubella, JE, DPT etc. are given to children under a regular vaccination program. The PCV vaccine will be given to children to protect them from pneumonia as per the guidelines of the central government. The vaccine has been included in the state's regular vaccination program and health officials and staff have been trained for it, said Health Minister Rajesh Tope.

Also Read: Zydus Cadila Vaccine Could be Approved for Kids Aged 12-18 by July-August: NTAGI Chairman

The number of doses:

The PCV vaccine will be given in three doses - two primary doses at 6 weeks of age, 14 weeks and one booster dose at nine months of age. The introduction of the vaccine in the regular vaccination program will help in reducing the infant mortality rate, said Dr Pradeep Vyas, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Health. Dr Vyas said that training and guidance instructions have been given to the districts regarding this vaccine and posters and banners have been prepared for awareness.

For pneumonia prevention

The disease is caused by Streptococcus pneumonia bacteria. This causes infection of the respiratory tract and inflammation of the lungs. The risk of developing severe pneumonia is seen in children up to two years of age. Considering the prevalence of diarrhoea and pneumonia in children under one year of age due to infection, the state government has introduced the rotavirus vaccine for diarrhoea prevention and now the PCV vaccine for pneumonia prevention. Dr Vyas said it would be important to prevent the disease in children in remote and overcrowded areas where the prevalence of pneumonia is highest among children.

The vaccine will be administered free of cost at all civic-run dispensaries, clinics, and hospitals as well as venues where vaccination sessions are conducted said the Additional Director Dr DN Patil.