Shillong, June 2: In order to reduce the Pneumonia induced deaths among the children, especially those under the age of 5 years, Meghalaya on Wednesday launched the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) that will be administered to children free of cost at government health centres.

Speaking on the occasion of the launch, Mawphlang legislator S K Sunn said the mothers and their infants are the direct beneficiaries of this programme and urged upon the mothers to not be hesitant but to come forward and avail this benefit. He further stated that with the launching of this PCV, the infant mortality rate relating to pneumonia will be reduced significantly.

The vaccine was launched by the National Health Mission (NHM), Meghalaya in collaboration with the Office of the District Medical & Health Officer, East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya on Wednesday at a programme held at Pomlum PHC, East Khasi Hills.

Signifying the importance of the vaccine, Mission Director of NHM Meghalaya, Ram Kumar said this programme is an important one as it is directly related to the maternal and infant deaths in the state. He said that based on these factors, a rescue programme was initiated whereby in the last 3 months, 7 out of 11 districts in the state reported zero maternal deaths which is an indication that the state is moving in the right direction.

It may be mentioned that Pneumonia is the leading cause of death among children below 5 years of age. The PCV is available through NHM and will be provided free of cost. The vaccine is available in 3 doses; 1st dose to be administered when the child attains 6 weeks, 2nd dose on the 14th week and 3rd dose when the child attains 9 months. The vaccine is also available in private hospitals at the rate of Rs 3,000 per dose.