Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Introduction in India's Universal Immunization Program.

For the first time, millions of children in India will receive protection for free against the leading cause of pneumonia, which kills more underfive children than any other infectious disease in the world [1] and in India – thanks to the launch of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV). Until now, PCV was only available in the private sector in India, putting it beyond the reach of most of the population. By making it available under the Universal immunization program (UIP), the government of India is ensuring equitable access to those who need them the most – the underprivileged and underserved.