Launch of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine drive

Context

The State Government of Andhra Pradesh launched Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) drive.

About the Vaccination drive

• PCV is a safe and effective vaccine.
• It is administered in three doses at the age of 6 weeks, 14 weeks, and 40 weeks.
• The vaccination programme is targeted for the prevention of pneumonia deaths in children, which is a major cause of infant and child mortality. 
• So far the government has been providing nine types of vaccines to children, and with PCV a total of 10 types of vaccines are being given to children across the State.
• The PCV vaccination program for the prevention of pneumonia deaths in children is being conducted by the National Health Mission.

What is Pneumococcal disease?

• Caused by: Pneumococcal disease is a name for any infection caused by bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae, or pneumococcus. 
• Type of infection: Pneumococcal infections can range from ear and sinus infections to pneumonia and bloodstream infections. 
• There are two main types of pneumococcal disease: 
• noninvasive (less serious)
• invasive (more serious)
• There are vaccines to help prevent pneumococcal disease.