Thiruvananthapuram: Vaccine distribution to children to prevent pneumonia in the state from October 1. The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is reportedly being given to children under one year of age. The vaccine is given in three doses.
The pneumonia vaccine will be given to children at all immunization centers. Children under one year of age are vaccinated against the pneumococcal bacteria that cause severe pneumonia. The vaccine has been distributed in five states since 2017 as part of a central government program. Kerala is also a part of this.
Health Minister Veena George will inaugurate it on Friday. The first vaccination is given to one and a half month old babies. Vaccination is available at government hospitals such as PHCs, CHCs and taluk hospitals. The next dose should be taken between the ages of three and a half and nine months. Health authorities warn that children may be more affected by the third wave. In anticipation of this, vaccinations are given to prevent pneumonia in children.