Pneumonia vaccine launch in 56 districts on August 8

Kanpur: The health department is launching pneumococcal vaccine in 56 districts, including Kanpur, from August 8, 2020 to check deaths of children due to pneumonia.
The vaccine would be included in regular vaccination of infants from August 8.
The pneumococcal vaccine protects children from pneumonia, sepsis (blood infection) and bacterial meningitis.
A two-day workshop held in the city from July 27 was addressed by the experts of World Health Organization and specialists from Unicef. The chief medical officer was also present in the workshop.
The specialists would now train Asha workers at block-level about the vaccine.
District immunization officer Dr A K Kannaujia said the vaccine would be administered in three doses to babies up to one year. First two primary vaccines would be administered at six and 14 weeks and a booster dose would be given at nine months.
“The vaccine would reduce the mortality rate of pneumonia. It had been included in the regular vaccination programme in 19 districts. Now, it will be launched in 56 districts, including Kanpur,” said Kannaujia.
Chief medical officer Dr Anil Kumar Mishra said, “Streptococcus pneumonia bacteria is usually found in nose and throat. It can spread to other parts of body and cause sepsis, bacterial meningitis, otitis media (ear infection), sinusitis and bronchitis.”
Health teams would administer the vaccine at all booths of the district.The bacteria spreads due to coughing and sneezing and can be fatal for people with weak immunity, like children or senior citizens, the CMO added.