In response to recent publications on pneumococcal vaccination(1-3), it may not be justified to hurriedly consider PCV-7 for inclusion in universal immunization. But it has sufficient merit to be offered to children on individual basis.

The paucity of data on IPD (invasive pneumococcal disease) and its distribution in different parts of this diverse land should urgently sensitize epidemiologists to plan studies. Till such time it would be worthwhile respecting the indirect indicators of incidence of this disease. Our sub-continent contributes about 75% cases of pneumonia every year to the global scenario. Even by a lenient yard stick, if 50% of these cases can be implicated to be caused by S. pneumoniae, it would be useful to save a large number of lives by vaccination. The absence of data, in a similar situation in the past, on the Hib disease has already done harm and induced a prolonged complacence in planning our strategy.

Additionally, though the available PCV-7 vaccine covers only 50% of the causative serotypes in India under 5 years of age, the eligible beneficiaries should not be deprived of protection currently available. The herd effect imparted by the current PCV-7 is definitely going to have its positive effect for future in providing a "spring board jump" to any newer and better vaccine. The aim should be to develop the vaccine indigenously, suited best for our purpose, and affordable.

K B Sharda,
Practising Pediatrician,
Milap Chowk, Jalandharn , Punjab, India.
Email: [email protected]