The recent initiative by the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh has brought the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) immunisation drive to the forefront. This new endeavour targets infants and aims to shield them from pneumococcal disease. Back in December 2020, “Pneumosil”, India’s first fully indigenously developed pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, was introduced to the public.
Understanding The Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine
The PCV is designed to battle pneumococcal diseases that can affect both children and adults. The vaccine is concocted from a combination of various bacteria from the pneumococci family. These bacteria are notorious for causing pneumonia, which is why ‘conjugate’ is part of the vaccine’s name. It essentially means that the vaccine is a blend of two different elements that are combined to produce a stronger defence against this disease.
The Pneumococcal Disease Explained
Pneumococcal disease refers to any infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae or pneumococcus bacteria. Most individuals unknowingly harbour these bacteria in their nose and throat without experiencing any symptoms. However, disease ensues if these bacteria multiply and spread to other parts of the body.
The Impact of Pneumococcal Disease
Streptococcus pneumoniae can result in several different illnesses including pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, meningitis, and bacteremia. Some of these conditions are labelled as ‘invasive’, meaning the bacteria invades parts of the body that are typically germ-free. Pneumococcal disease can influence anyone, but children under two years old, people with specific medical conditions, adults 65 years or older, and cigarette smokers are at the highest risk.
The Importance of Pneumococcal Immunisation
Pneumonia has been identified as a significant cause for infant and child mortality. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), it’s accountable for 15% of all deaths among children under five years old. Around 16 lakh children were affected, and nearly 68,700 succumbed to this disease in 2015 alone. The Indian government aims to provide the PCV to the underprivileged and underserved through its Universal Immunization Program (UIP).
Aligning with The Sustainable Development Goals
Sustainable Development Goal 3 is centred around ending preventable deaths in newborns and children under five years of age. As per this goal, every country should strive to reduce neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 deaths per 1,000 live births and under-five mortality to at least as low as 25 deaths per 1,000 live births by 2030.
Overview of The Universal Immunization Programme
The UIP was initiated in 1985 to shield children and pregnant women from 12 vaccine-preventable diseases. This free-of-cost vaccination initiative stands against illnesses including Tuberculosis, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio, Hepatitis B, Pneumonia, Meningitis, Measles, Rubella, Japanese Encephalitis, and Rotavirus diarrhoea. Despite being one of the world’s largest health programmes, the UIP has only managed to fully immunise 65% of children under one year of age till now.