New National Immunization Schedule for 2023 for Children.

Highlights :

• The pneumococcal vaccine which was previously optional is now made mandatory
• Pneumococcal vaccine or PCV is to be given at 6 and 14 weeks after birth
• Fractionated IPV and PCV booster shots are to be included with Measles, Rubella ( MR), and Japanese Encephalitis at 9 to 12 months
• The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of India has released the upgraded schedule for vaccinating children. It has made some major changes to the pre-existing schedule

One of the striking changes made is the introduction of the pneumococcal vaccine. This is a vaccine against bronchopneumonia in children. Previously it was optional and was given at physician’s recommendation. Now it has been made compulsory. First dose of this pneumococcal vaccine is to be given at 6 weeks after birth followed by second dose at 14 weeks. Booster dose is to be given at 9 months along with Measles rubella Used in The Mass Campaign in India and Japanese encephalitis vaccine (only applies for endemic areas).

Prior to this Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) was given as a part of state immunization schedule in some states like Himachal Pradesh, parts of Bihar, and UP in 2017. It was followed by Rajasthan, Madhya Pardesh and Gujarat in 2018.

Now it is part of recommendation by the Indian Academy of Paediatrics but from January 1 2023, Government has included it in the National Immunization schedule (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
National Immunization Schedule (NIS) for Infants, Children and Pregnant Women

Go to source).

One more important change made in the schedule was fractionated inactivated polio vaccine booster at 9 to 12 months after the birth. Previously it was administered only at 6 and 14 weeks after birth.

Importance of Pneumococcal Vaccine

Invasive Pneumonia is a deadly disease. It has very high transmission rate and its infectivity can be fatal for some kids. This infection is the cause of high mortality and an important reason for Paediatric Intensive Care Unit admissions. To prevent this spread and control the seriousness of the disease this step has been taken.

The countries that included PCV in their schedule have shown reduction in pneumonia not only in children but in adults as well. This is an indirect effect of the vaccine. It reduces the transmission of the bacteria from children to adults by reducing the number of bacteria in the nose and throat of the kids. It also decreases acute otitis media or ear infections.

The protective efficacy of the vaccine lasts for six years. But if the child is immunocompromised or has HIV then the protective effect may be for a lesser amount of time.

Side Effects of this Vaccine

The most common side effects noted are fever, irritability, reduced appetite, increased sleepiness, or reduced sleepiness. Allergic reactions are very rarely noted.

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Reference :

1. National Immunization Schedule (NIS) for Infants, Children and Pregnant Women - (https://main.mohfw.gov.in/sites/default/files/245453521061489663873.pdf)

Source-Medindia