Abstract

NTAGI met on August 25th 2015 and adopted the following recommendation: 

  • The NTAGI recommends a phased introduction of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) in India’s UIP. A dosing schedule of 2 primary doses at 6 weeks and 14 weeks, followed by a booster dose at 9 months is recommended. This dosing schedule also aligns with the UIP schedule.
  • Based on efficacy data, either PCV10 or PCV13 may be used in the programme. However, PCV13 provides protection against three additional serotypes, potentially covering an additional 4% of the prevalent serotypes in the country, PCV13 is preferable.
  • In the first phase, the vaccine should be introduced in at least some high priority areas (i.e. high under five mortality areas) with quality controlled surveillance systems and carefully designed and conducted impact assessment with appropriate oversight. Systems for surveillance of Streptococcus pneumoniae must be strengthened. The methodology for surveillance and the design of impact studies with appropriate external monitoring should be decided by an expert group.
  • Additionally, efforts must be made to establish national capacity to model disease burden and the impact of vaccination.
  • Recommendation
  • South-East Asia
  • India
  • Pneumococcal disease