Abbott India has announced the launch of its 14-valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV-14), named PneumoShield 14, designed to provide the broadest protection for children against pneumococcal bacterial infections. The vaccine is targeted at children aged six weeks and older, addressing critical health risks such as pneumonia, meningitis, and other invasive pneumococcal diseases (IPD).
The PneumoShield 14 vaccine protects against 14 different strains of pneumococcal bacteria, exceeding the coverage of PCV-10 and PCV-13 vaccines currently available in India. Administered in three doses at 6, 10, and 14 weeks, this new addition to Abbott’s pediatric portfolio aims to strengthen immunization efforts across the country.
Swati Dalal, Managing Director of Abbott India Ltd., emphasized the significance of this launch, stating, “Children under two years are particularly vulnerable to pneumococcal diseases, which can impede their development and lead to serious complications. With broader protection against 14 strains, PneumoShield 14 represents a vital step in safeguarding children’s health and supporting their growth.”
Dr. Vijay Yewale, a prominent pediatrician at Yewale Hospital in Mumbai, highlighted the importance of advanced vaccines in combating pneumococcal diseases, especially in a country where diagnosing such conditions remains challenging. “Vaccines like PneumoShield 14 address the need for wider protection against the strains causing most pneumococcal diseases in India, offering an essential shield for children,” he noted.
The vaccine is expected to play a key role in reducing childhood mortality rates in India, aligning with the government’s immunization initiatives. Pneumococcal infections are a leading cause of death among children under five, accounting for approximately 14% of pediatric fatalities in the country.
