The public health system seems to be low on pneumococcal conjugate vaccines meant for children after a shortage of drugs for HIV and leprosy was reported in the month of September. State health officials have stated that the delay has disrupted the vaccination schedules of tens of thousands of children in India. As per the national immunization schedule, each child is given three shots of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine by the time they turn nine months old, of which the first two shots are given at six and 14 weeks of age.

Dr. Sachin Desai, state immunization officer, stated that the central authorities had informed the state that there had been a delay in the tendering process. However, unlike the public sector, which is facing a shortage, the private sector has an adequate supply. But, the cost of each shot in the private sector is very steep, i.e., ranging from Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,500, depending on the manufacturer.

Dr. Nitin Shah of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics stated that every year, India witnesses 25 million births, and that translates into a need for 75 million pneumococcal conjugate vaccines annually in the public health sector.

(Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pneumococcal-vaccine-shortage-hits-jab-schedule-across-india/articleshow/94690846.cms )