State to introduce Pentavalent Vaccines from October 28

As per national immunization programme initiated by the government of India, Nagaland would be launching pentavelent vaccines on October 28, for children of 6, 10 and 14 weeks of age. The vaccine is to protect the child against five life threatening diseases- diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, hepatitis B and hemophilus influenza type B. The vaccine would be available free of cost at all the government health institutions and in the out-reach sessions.
With regard to this, training and orientation of pentavalent vaccine for the state health workers in the district levels have been completed.
Training was participated by medical officers, data handlers, district programme manager, vaccine and cold chain handlers, IEC/media handling focal person and NHM account managers. At the block level, all ANMs, vaccinators/LHV, ASHA and all the other health workers have been trained.
“The heath care providers are technically sound and ready to immunize children with Pentavalent vaccine”, said state immunization officer of Nagaland Dr. Kobunuo Kire. She further said “the introduction of Hib containing pentavalent vaccine in the UIP will prevent the morbidity and mortality associated with Hib disease, (pneumonia and meningitis) and will help bring down the infant and under 5 mortality rate”.