Media Reports claiming shortage of Pneumococcal Vaccines are "ill-informed"- Union Health Ministry
On Saturday, the Union Health Ministry said that the recent media report claiming that there is a shortage of pneumococcal vaccine in the country is "ill-informed". The ministry also claimed that over 70.18 lacs doses are available in the State and UT's.
Pneumonia is one of the major causes of child mortality. The report which quoted health officials including Maharashtra Immunization Officer, claimed that a tendering delay has led to disruption in pneumococcal vaccination schedules for thousands of children across the country for over a month.
"The news report is ill-informed and consists of erroneous information," the ministry said in a statement. "As per data available on October 7, 2022, sufficient doses of PCV vaccines are available. This includes 3.01 lack doses of PCV with Maharashtra," the statement said.
What is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus (purulent material), causing cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. A variety of organisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi, can cause pneumonia.
Pneumonia can range in seriousness from mild to life-threatening. It is most serious for infants and young children, people older than age 65, and people with health problems or weakened immune systems.
Pneumococcal vaccines are vaccines against the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae. Their use can prevent some cases of pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis. There are two types of pneumococcal vaccines: conjugate vaccines and polysaccharide vaccines. They are given by injection either into a muscle or just under the skin.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of the conjugate vaccine in the routine immunizations given to children.
Nice content 👍
ReplyDelete