The Dhubri district administration on Wednesday launched the Pneumococcal Conjugate vaccine (PCV) drive under the universal immunization programme in the district.
Dhubri deputy commissioner Anbamuthan MP formally launched the drive during a programme organized by the district health department.
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The PVC helps reducing risk of morbidity and mortality due to pneumonia and meningitis in children.
Children who are six weeks old will be administered the first dose of the vaccine across the district in the initial phase.
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The deputy commissioner directed all the officials concerned to make arrangements for the smooth conduct of the vaccination drive.
Joint director of Dhubri district health services SM Emdadullah said that three doses of the vaccine will be administered to the children.
“While the first dose will be administered to children aged six weeks, the second and third doses will be administered at 14 weeks and nine months respectively,” Emdadullah said.
The PCV drive is part of the routine immunization programme and all the children of 6 weeks, 14 weeks and 9 months will be administered the vaccine by strictly adhering to all Covid-19 protocols.
The district officials have also been asked to conduct extensive awareness among the public regarding the vaccine.
They are also to make periodic reviews on the successful rollout of vaccines.
As per available data, around 1.05 lakh persons died in 2010 and about 53,300 in 2015 due to pneumonia and meningitis in India.
Children aged below two years have the maximum chances of infection, said health officials.