Pneumonia vaccine for newborns in Secunderabad Cantonment

SECUNDERABAD: Along with conducting Covid-19 vaccination drives, Telangana medical & health department, on Wednesday, rolled out another drive to administer the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) to newborns, in Secunderabad Cantonment.
This drive was launched across all urban primary health centres located in Rasoolpura, Bolarum, Picket, Bowenpally and Trimulgherry. Parents can take their children any of these centres to avail of this facility, said deputy DHMO, Raj Kumari.
Elaborating on the reason for launching the PCV drive, the deputy DMHO said that it is aimed at protecting children from pneumonia, which can be done through immunization and adequate nutrition. While the cost of a PCV dose in the market is around Rs 4,000, the state government is providing it free of cost at these centres.
Regarding the procedure being followed for the vaccine, the official said, “The first dose will be administered to infants within six weeks of being born and second dose will be given within 14 weeks. The booster dose will be administered in the ninth month.” “Mothers don’t need not panic. Babies will not suffer from any side effects after being administered the PVC. Also, anganwadi staff and health staff are available to resolve any issues that parents face,” the official added.