GUWAHATI, Feb 17 � The Pentavalent vaccine containing five antigens will be introduced under routine immunization in the Kamrup Metros district from tomorrow.
�The Joint Director of Health Services, Kamrup Metro Dr Ganesh Saikia and the District Immunization Officer Kamrup Metro Dr Ulupi Phukan Baruah has informed that a new vaccine will be introduced under Routine Immunization named Pentavalent Vaccine from February 18 at Kamrup Metro district. The Pentavalent vaccine contains five antigens (Diptheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Hepatitis B and Haemophilus Influenza type B),� said an official statement.
It said that the introduction of Pentavalent vaccine will reduce the number injections required for vaccinating children at 6, l0 and 14 weeks of age.
�Three doses of Pentavalent vaccine are included in Universal Immunization Programme. The first dose will be given only after a child is 6 weeks old, second and third dose will be given at 10 and 14 weeks of age respectively,� it added.
The Pentavalent vaccine will be available at all government hospitals, sub-centres and immunization sites in the district from February 18.
The Joint Director of Health Services and the District Immunization Officer have appealed to the people to vaccinate their children from 6 weeks to 14 weeks age.
An inauguration ceremony has been organized on February 18 at Dhirenpara Mother & Child Welfare Hospital at 10:30 am for formally introducing the Pentavalent vaccine.
