Central government approves pneumonia vaccine for Himachal Pradesh

“We have achieved a new milestone towards expanding the coverage of full immunization in Himachal Pradesh aimed at reducing child mortality," said Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J P Nadda.

Tweeted the minister, "5 states, I.e. 4 high disease burden states MP, UP, Rajasthan, Bihar & HP will be covered in 1st phase of vaccinations of children with PCV."

Besides Himachal Pradesh, Pneumonia Vaccines will be introduced in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh in a planned manner from 2017, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said.

Minister Nadda said that this will give a unique opportunity to Himachal Pradesh to demonstrate the combined effect of Diarrhoea Vaccine (Rotavirus) and Pneumonia Vaccine (PCV) reduction intervention on the overall child mortality and morbidity in the State.

“I am sure Himachal Pradesh will be hugely benefited with this new PCV Vaccine. We want our children to be healthy and this intervention is one step forward in ensuring that,” Nadda added.

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare had earlier this year introduced Rotavirus Vaccine to combat diarrhoea in four states - Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Odisha.

“Adding this life-saving vaccine such as PCV and Rotavirus to our immunization program will not only improve the health of our children but will also reduce hospitalization and other conditions associated with diarrhoea and pneumonia such as malnutrition, delayed physical and mental development among children. Reduced hospitalization reduces the economic burden on the family and the health cost burden on the country”, Nadda said.

Image: JP Nadda Twitter