## Evolution of Pneumococcal Vaccination in India's National Immunisation Schedule ### Introduction of PCV in National Immunisation Schedule **Key Point:** Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) was **introduced into the National Immunisation Schedule in 2017** as part of the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP). This is the key reason why the older child (born 8 years ago, i.e., 2016) did not receive it, while the current infant does. ### PCV Schedule in Current National Immunisation Schedule - **Age of administration:** 6 weeks, 10 weeks, 14 weeks (3 primary doses) - **Booster dose:** 9–12 months (1 booster) - **Route:** Intramuscular - **Type:** Conjugate vaccine - **Serotypes covered:** 13-valent (PCV13) or 10-valent (PCV10) depending on state policy ### Historical Context **High-Yield:** Before 2017, PCV was not part of the universal immunisation programme in India. It was available only in private practice. The introduction of PCV in 2017 marked a significant expansion of the National Immunisation Schedule to include protection against invasive pneumococcal disease. ### Comparison: Pre-2017 vs Post-2017 Schedule | Feature | Pre-2017 Schedule | Post-2017 Schedule (Current) | | --- | --- | --- | | PCV inclusion | No (private only) | Yes (UIP) | | Age of introduction | N/A | 6 weeks | | Number of primary doses | N/A | 3 | | Booster timing | N/A | 9–12 months | | Route | N/A | Intramuscular | **Clinical Pearl:** The introduction of PCV was a major public health initiative to reduce the burden of pneumococcal disease (meningitis, pneumonia, otitis media) in Indian children. This is frequently tested in NEET PG examinations as a landmark change in the National Immunisation Schedule. **Mnemonic:** **PCV-2017** — Remember that PCV was added to the National Immunisation Schedule in **2017**, making it a recent addition that older children (born before 2017) would not have received under the universal programme.
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