Union Minister launches Nationwide expansion of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) under the Universal Immunization Programme(UIP)

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The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare has launched the nationwide expansion of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) as a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. 

About Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine(PCV) 

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is given to prevent pneumococcal disease.

Pneumococcal disease refers to any illness caused by pneumococcal bacteria. These bacteria can cause many types of illnesses, including pneumonia, which is an infection of the lungs.

Pneumonia is a leading cause of death among children under-5 years old, globally and in India. In India around 16%  of deaths in Children occur due to pneumonia. 

Hence, the nationwide rollout of PCV will reduce child mortality by around 60%.

Note:  So far, PCV vaccine through government hospitals was available only in five states — Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. On the other hand, two states, Haryana and Goa were offering the PCV vaccine from the state government funds.

About Universal Immunisation Programme(UIP)

Universal Immunisation Programme(UIP) is a vaccination programme launched by the Government of India in 1985.

Under UIP, immunization is being provided free of cost against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases:

Nationally against 10 diseases – Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio, Measles, Rubella, severe form of Childhood Tuberculosis, Rotavirus diarrhea, Hepatitis B and Meningitis & Pneumonia caused by Haemophilus Influenzae type B

Sub-nationally against 2 diseases – Pneumococcal Pneumonia and Japanese Encephalitis.

Among these, Pneumococcal Conjugate vaccine is nationally expanded while JE vaccine is provided only in endemic districts.

Source: This post is based on the following articles:

• “Union Minister launches Nationwide expansion of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) under the Universal Immunization Programme(UIP)” published in PIB on 30th October 2021
• “Nationwide PCV drive launched” published in The Hindu on 30th October 2021.