Articles
January 20, 2025

Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV): A Vital Tool for Childhood Health

Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV): A Vital Tool for Childhood Health

Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) ek essential tool hai in the fight to protect children's health. Why? Because Pneumococcal disease ek aisa infection hai which can lead to life-threatening conditions like pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis, especially chote babies mein. Globally, pneumococcal infections ek leading cause hai of vaccine-preventable deaths. 5 saal se chote babies mein approximately 1 Millions deaths har saal are caused by this infection.

Importance of PCV Vaccination

Yeh disease zyada tar babies, senior-citizens ya low immunity wale logo ko effect karti hai. Developing countries, jaha healthcare limited hai, waha kids are more vulnerable to this disease. Fortunately, the PCV vaccine has proven to be highly effective in preventing severe pneumococcal diseases and reducing child mortality rates.

PCV ke help se pneumococcal infections drastically reduce hogaye hai, particularly invasive diseases like meningitis and bacteremia. Jin countries mien yeh vaccination schedule ka part hai, waha there has been a significant reduction in severe pneumococcal diseases in vaccinated populations, as well as a decline in antibiotic resistance among bacterial strains.

PCV Vaccination Schedule (As Recommended by IAP)

The Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) recommends the following schedule for PCV:

  • First Dose: Given at 6 weeks of age.
  • Second Dose: At 10 weeks of age.
  • Third Dose: At 14 weeks of age.
  • Booster Dose: Administered at 12-15 months of age.

This schedule is specially designed for Indian Kids, according to their bodies and ages, jb vo sbse zyada vulnerable ho skte hai to this infection. This is why hame hamsesha yeh schedule follow karna chahiye aur vaccine timely leni chahiye.

Impact of PCV on Child Health

Iss vaccine ke introduction se there has been a huge reduction in cases in kids under 5. The vaccines protect against more than 70% of the disease- causing pneumococci, in India. PCV se not only do vaccinated children get protected, but it also contributes to herd immunity, helping and benefitting unvaccinated people too.  

Pneumococcal disease aaj bhi ek significant cause of death and illness in infants hai. PCV ek cost-effective solution hai to this problem. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to follow the recommended vaccination schedule to provide their children with the best possible defence against pneumococcal diseases.

Sources:

WHO https://www.who.int/teams/health-product-policy-and-standards/standards-and-specifications/norms-and-standards/vaccine-standardiza