RAUB – The free pneumococcal vaccination under the National Immunisation Programme for children begins today at all government health clinics nationwide, and will benefit 500,000 children each year.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba said children born on or after January 1, this year, are eligible for the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), which is given in three doses, with two primary doses at the age of 4 months and 6 months, and the PCV booster at 15 months.
However, the pneumococcal immunisation schedule will be adjusted for children whose vaccinations have been delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The administration of the pneumococcal vaccine is the most effective method to prevent pneumococcal bacterial infection and will indirectly reduce resistance to antibiotics. This vaccine is also safe and effective.
“The vaccination is vital and timely after the number of cases of children with the pneumococcal disease increased from 17,446 in 2017 to 19,773 last year," he said after launching the National Pneumococcal Immunisation Programme for Children at a health clinic here today.
Present were the ministry's disease control director Datuk Dr Norhayati Rusli, state Works, Transportation and Health committee chairman Datuk Seri Norol Azali Sulaiman and Pahang health director Datuk Dr Bahari Che Awang Ngah.
The vaccine is intended to prevent bacterial infections of streptococcus pneumoniae or pneumococcus, which can cause diseases such as pneumonia, sinusitis, middle ear infection (otitis media), meningitis and bacterial infections in the blood (septicemia).
“Complications of pneumococcal disease include hearing impairment, brain deformity and death. Children aged 5 and below are the most at risk of infection or experiencing complications from this disease. Apart from reducing the rate of morbidity and mortality due to related diseases, the vaccination can also reduce treatment costs,” he said.
Adham also said that the ministry always ensures that the vaccine is effective and safe, but parents are urged to report any side effects of the vaccine to health personnel or through the ministry's website.
The ministry will also deploy its Orang Asli mobile team, mobile bus services, mobile boats and air doctor services to administer the vaccination to children in rural areas, he added. – Bernama, December 1, 2020
