Key points:
- New pneumococcal conjugate vaccine added to the national immunization
- It protects against Twelve different vacine preventive diseases
- MoH protects the health of the youngest population
Brunei has moved to the next level by introducing pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, PCV, into the national immunization program with a commitment to child health. From February 1st, all the country’s Maternal and Child Health Clinics offer PCV free. There will now be a total of twelve vaccines that bring immunity against twelve different vaccine-preventable diseases.
This will provide further assurance that the health and well-being of infants and young children are afforded more protection against pneumococcal diseases, which rank among the major health issues worldwide. The MoH has launched the PCV in line with recommendations from the World Health Organization. In fact, this is to highlight the commitment of the government toward a healthy life for its youngest citizens and a healthier future for Brunei.
The bacterium the PCV is targeted against, Streptococcus pneumoniae, is one of the major causes of serious diseases, such as pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis, mainly in children less than five years old. PCV provides important protection against such potentially life-threatening infections.
PCV is administered in a schedule of three doses. This will be immunized to the child at two months of age, four months of age, and as a booster dose at twelve months of age as part of routine immunization.
The MoH also starts a catch-up immunization program that pays homage to the demand for as high as possible coverage. Catch-up immunization program The catch-up immunization program will be launched in February 2025 for infants and children born between February 2023 and January 2025. The parents of these eligible children will be contacted through their various Maternal and Child Health Clinics to schedule appointments for these catch-up vaccinations to ensure as many children as possible benefit from this vital protection.
