Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine sees nationwide reach

Pneumonia a leading cause of death among children under-5 years old, says Mandaviya

Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya launched a nationwide expansion of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) as a part of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, here on Friday. He also released communication and awareness packages on PCV to create awareness. They will be shared with all the States/Union Territories for further adaptation and utilisation.

It was for the first time in the country that PCV would be available for universal use. Pneumonia was a leading cause of death among children under five, globally and in India, he said.

“Pneumonia caused by pneumococcus is the most common cause of severe pneumonia in children. In India around 16 percent of deaths in children occur due to pneumonia. The nationwide rollout of PCV will reduce child mortality by around 60 percent”, he stated.