Pneumococcal Vaccination in India
Pneumococcal disease is a bacterial infection. It can cause a range of illnesses, including pneumonia, meningitis (inflammation of membrane surrounding brain and spinal cord), sinusitis (sinus infections), otitis media (middle ear infection) and sepsis (blood infection). Pneumococcal infections can affect people of all ages, but they are more common and potentially more severe in young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Vaccination is the best way to prevent Pneumococcal disease.
*PCV13 = Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (13-valent)
* PCV13PPSV23 = Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (23-valent)
Pneumococcal Vaccination for children in India
The schedule for healthy children typically involves a primary series of three doses of PCV (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine), given at 6, 10 and 14 weeks, followed by a booster dose at 15 to 18 months of age to enhance the immune response. For vaccination schedule of children with chronic health conditions or at higher risk of pneumococcal disease, please contact your doctor or a Vaccine expert.
Pneumococcal Vaccination for adults in India:
- Vaccination for adults at high-risk of Pneumococcal disease* (19 years and above)
- 1 dose of PCV13 followed by 1 dose of PPSV23 at an interval of 1 year
- 1 booster dose of PPSV23 may be recommended in certain conditions by your doctor after 5 years of previous PPSV23 administration
- Vaccination for healthy seniors (65 years and above)
- 1 dose of PCV13 followed by 1 dose of PPSV23 at an interval of 1 year
* Note: High risk conditions for Pneumococcal disease include:
- Chronic illnesses such as chronic heart, lung, kidney or liver disease, diabetes, alcoholism, etc.
- Conditions with weak immune systems such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, damaged/absent spleen, etc.
- Cochlear implants or individuals with CSF leakage
- Individuals who smoke cigarettes
Missed Pneumococcal Vaccination?
It’s never too late to get vaccinated. Opt for Catch-up Vaccination! Children and adolescents who have missed taking the vaccine as per the recommended schedule can still take the vaccination. The number of doses recommended and the intervals between these doses will depend on the child’s age when vaccination begins. For more information on catch-up vaccination for pneumococcal disease please contact your doctor or a Vaccine expert.
Cost of Pneumococcal vaccination in India
The cost of pneumococcal vaccination depends on factors such as the type of vaccine, brand, manufacturer, applicable taxes and the vaccination service provider. Generally, the cost of one dose of pneumococcal vaccination ranges between Rs 2200 to Rs 4000. It’s best to check with your vaccination provider to get an accurate and updated estimate of the cost.
Pneumococcal vaccination at home in India
Vaccination at home offers a convenient, accessible and safe way to protect you and your family from pneumococcal infection. It allows individuals to receive the vaccine in a familiar environment, reducing potential anxiety or discomfort associated with visiting a clinic. Home vaccination not only saves time and effort, it also minimizes exposure to potential infections in crowded healthcare settings. Treatopedia vaccine experts can help you with availability and scheduling of pneumococcal vaccine at home in India.
