Introduction of PCV (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine) into its Universal Immunization Program

According to the estimates of World Health Organisation, it has been found that pneumonia accounts for 16% of the total child deaths, thus becoming the leading cause of children’s deaths all around the globe. Pneumonia is a form of acute respiratory infection which badly affects the lungs. In order to do away with this dangerous disease the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare have introduced pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) in the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) of the country, which gives vaccination given against pneumococcus, a bacterium that is a leading cause of pneumonia.

This vaccination is very beneficial since it protects children against severe forms of pneumococcal disease, such as pneumonia and meningitis and also reduces the likelihood of developing other illnesses caused by pneumococcus, such as mild infections of the ear or throat etc. The special advantage of this vaccination is that its benefits are not confined to the children who are vaccinated but extend beyond them this is popularly known as “herd protection”, wherein the children who are vaccinated, are less likely to spread the pathogens which cause pneumonia to others and thus proves to be helpful in fighting pneumonia and also for them who are unable to take the vaccination. Being very expensive, earlier these vaccines were accessible to only those who could afford them, however by bringing them under the UIP, the government has ensured equitable access to those who need them the most, the underprivileged and underserved. This initiative marks an exemplary step in India’s immunization programme. However there is one concern with regard to the cost of the vaccine is that lately the Delhi Patent Office granted a patent to Pfizer’s vaccine against pneumonia, which will last till 2026. Till now the govt. was being funded by Global Alliance of Vaccines and Immunisation, an international organisation set up to increase access to vaccines for children, but this will also end in the year 2019, which could make the vaccine unaffordable for the government after 2019 and in case if govt. tries to fund it anyway, it would require taking away money from programmes tackling malaria or tuberculosis. Therefore, still a better option to treat pneumonia is required.