Real-time monitoring of the rollout of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines in rural India using a digital tracking platform

Abstract

Background: In 2017, the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) was introduced into the Indian immunization program as a priority. However, monitoring the implementation of this program has been a major challenge in rural India. Novel digital health platforms, used to track vaccine delivery, can address this issue. Methods: We analyzed data collected in a rural part of the Udaipur District of India, which recently introduced PCV13 into the routine immunization program. The data were collected by Khushi Baby, a novel technology platform which facilitates tracking the vaccination status of individual children. We assessed the percent of children receiving 1, 2, or 3 doses of the vaccine at different ages and time points, as well as geographic variations in uptake. Only doses received before 12 months of age were considered for this analysis. Results: More than 96% of children captured by the database received the first dose of PCV13. Uptake of the second dose ranged from 69% to 90% across the five regions, and 44% to 76% of children received the third (booster) dose within 3 months of the recommended date. Conclusions: These data provide early evidence that the primary doses of PCV13 are being administered at a high level in rural India; however, there is considerable variability between regions. Additionally, the receipt of the booster dose may be lower than desired. Given the importance of the booster dose in reducing pneumococcal transmission, its delivery is essential to ensure maximal benefit of the vaccine program.

Enablers and Barriers to the Scaling Up of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine in India During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study

“…13 Responding to the above call, India introduced PCV in 2017 in a phased manner across 5 high-burden Indian states, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. 10,14 However, the Government of India, decided in the 2021 to 2022 budget to rapidly expand the PCV under the UIP throughout the country. 15 The process of a new vaccine introduction has never been an easy task to accomplish.…”

Critical factors in the successful expansion of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine in India during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Based on the result of years of clinical research and the prevailing disease burden of pneumococcal disease in the country, a decision to roll out PCV in the entire country was made. However, before the vaccine could be rolled out, the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world [6] , [7] .…”

Epidemiology and outcomes of pneumococcal sepsis in children with nephrotic syndrome in a developing country

“…Antibiotic sensitivity patternsSulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim and teicoplanin sensitivity were observed in one tested isolate each. Sensitivity data was unavailable for some isolates for respective antibiotics the third dose at <12 months of age[39]. It is to be observed that this study population represents one of the states implementing the vaccination program, and the study population represents a minuscule amount of the country's population.…”