Parmesh Jain
Under Universal Immunization programme,PCV was introduced and launched by Special Commissioner (Health), BBMP on 12-11-2021 “World Pneumonia Day” at Dasappa hospital (near Town hall) to spread awareness and to reduce mortality and morbidity by Pneumonia.
On this occasion,Dr. K V Trilok Chandra,IAS, Special Commissioner, (Health),BBMP,Chief Health Officers, (Public & Clinical),District RCH officer,CPMO-NUHM,HOs,respective MOHs & MOs and representatives from World Health Organization,JSI & UNICEF were present.
Pneumococcal disease is the name of a group of diseases caused by a bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus).
Streptococcus pneumoniae is leading cause of bacterial pneumonia in children under 5 years of age. Young children (particularly those under 2 years of age), elderly, immune suppressed, malnourished are at increased risk of getting pneumococcal disease.
Over 1.2 million children die before their 5th birthday in India. Nearly 15.9% deaths are due to pneumonia. In 2015, Streptococcus pneumonia is estimated to have caused around 1.6 million cases of severe pneumococcal disease,(including severe pneumonia and meningitis) and nearly 68,700 deaths in 1-59months old children.
PCV is Safe and effective vaccines are available to prevent pneumococcal disease.PCV reduces incidence of pneumonia, meningitis and other serious bacterial infections caused by pneumococcus.
PCV also provides protection to children too young to be immunized, adults with substantial risk of pneumococcal disease (e.g., HIV infected), and adults.Other causes of pneumonia and/or meningitis may be prevented through immunization including with Hib, pertussis, measles and influenza vaccines.
PCV was first launched in 2000 in USA. As of 2020 June, 146 countries have introduced PCV. Kazakhstan is the first country in Asia to introduce PCV in 2011.
In India, PCV vaccine was introduced in the year 2017, in phase-wise manner (Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh).Now PCV introduction has been planned in whole country across all States/UTs.
PCV has been in use in private sector for several years although uptake has been limited to a small population that can afford the vaccine.
NTAGI recommended the vaccine be included in the UIP based on disease burden, safety and efficacy, cost-effectiveness, sustainability,and global evidence.
PCV schedule: 2 primary doses at 1 ½ months and 3½ months (6 weeks and 14 weeks) and 1 booster dose at 9 months of age.
In the Karnataka State,PCV was launched on 22 October 2021 at KIMS, Hubli by Honorable Chief Minister of Karnataka Basavaraj Bommai.
