New vaccine to prevent pneumonia in children

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state will introduce a new vaccine to protect children from diseases such as pneumonia, meningitis and other diseases which cause infant deaths in the country. The Centre will distribute it free of cost to all the states.

The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) is given in three doses as part of a worldwide immunization campaign. Other vaccines to be given at that age will also be given. It is safe and effective to give different vaccines at the same time. There may be a slight fever and redness at the injection site. Minister Veena George said training for medical officers and health workers was in progress.