Introduction of Pentavalent Vaccine in Universal Immunization Programme in Sikkim

Immunization is considered to be one of the most cost-effective public health interventions that has delivered excellent results in providing direct and effective protection against preventable childhood diseases such as tuberculosis, hepatitis B, poliomyelitis, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus and measles. Pentavalent vaccine provides protection to a child against 5 life-threatening diseases - Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Hepatitis B and Hib. DPT (Diphtheria + Pertussis + Tetanus) and Hep B are already part of routine immunization in India; Hib vaccine is a new addition. Together, the combination is called Pentavalent. Hib vaccine can prevent serious diseases caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b like pneumonia, meningitis, bacteraemia, epiglottitis, septic arthritis etc. Giving pentavalent vaccine reduces the number of pricks to a child, and provides protection from all five diseases. The pentavalent vaccine will replace the current Hepatitis B and DPT primary vaccination schedule in the immunization programme first dose in 6 weeks, second dose in 10 weeks and third does in 14 weeks. Additionally, Hepatitis B birth dose will continue as before, in institutional birth within 24 hours of birth. DPT boosters at 16-24 months and 5-6 years will continue as before.