The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) was rolled out today across Meghalaya.
Pneumonia is the leading cause of death among children below five years of age. PCV is available through the National Health Mission (NHM) free of cost but is also available in private hospitals at Rs 3,000 per dose. The vaccine is available in three doses – first dose to be administered when the child attains six weeks, second dose in the 14th week and third dose when the child attains nine months.
In Pomlum Primary Health Centre, Mawphlang MLA SK Sunn was the chief guest at the launch function organised by the NHM and District Medical and Health Officer of East Khasi Hills.
Sunn urged mothers not to hesitate in getting their newborns the jab.
NHM Meghalaya Mission Director, Ram Kumar, said that the programme is an important one as it is directly related to maternal and infant deaths in the state. Based on these factors, a rescue programme was initiated whereby in the last three months, seven out of Meghalaya’s 11 districts reported zero maternal deaths, which, he said, is an indication that the state is moving in the right direction.
In Asanang PHC in West Garo Hills, Principal Secretary Sampath Kumar launched the vaccines.
In his speech, he informed that around 50 percent of children die in the state due to pneumonia-related illnesses. Therefore, he urged the parents to cooperate with the Health Department in immunising their children regularly.
