Overview

The roll-out of free pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) in India is a milestone in the global charge against childhood pneumonia. Beginning in Himachal Pradesh, the Government of India aims to reach millions of children in the coming years through a planned scale-up across the country, according to the official press release.

Global health leaders are celebrating the addition of PCV to India’s Universal Immunization Program (UIP), supported by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. In a Global Health NOW Q&A, Kate O’Brien, executive director of the International Vaccine Access Center, describes the significance and expected impact of India’s decision. Pediatricians expand upon this “laudable milestone for India and the world” in an Asian Age op-ed.

Social Media

Join us in celebrating this achievement on social media! Here are suggested posts to accompany share graphics.

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. @MoHFW_INDIA: “Sh @JPNadda launches #PCV as part of Universal Immunization Program #UIP at Mandi, today. #VaccinesWork”

. @Gavi: “#Pneumonia kills more kids under-5 than HIV, TB, Zika, Ebola, & malaria combined. But now #India is helping #VaccinesWork to #StopPneumonia!”

Great work, #India! In the coming years, #pneumonia vaccine will help protect millions of children #VaccinesWork http://bit.ly/2rkgq9d 

With vaccine launch, #India takes a vital step to help protect kids from leading threat: #pneumonia #VaccinesWork http://bit.ly/2rkgq9d 

Great news: #India’s vaccine launch is a major step forward in the fight to #StopPneumonia #VaccinesWork http://bit.ly/2rkgq9d 

Every day, approx. 500 children in #India die due to #pneumonia. #Vaccinate your child to ensure a healthy childhood #VaccinesWork

PCV helps protect children against pneumonia, meningitis, sepsis, & ear infections. Let’s pledge to #immunize every child