Abbott Launches Advanced Pneumococcal Vaccine in India, Offering Broadest Protection for Children

Hyderabad: Abbott, a global leader in healthcare, has introduced its latest innovation, PneumoShield 14, a 14-valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV-14), designed to protect children as young as six weeks from a wider range of pneumococcal bacterial infections. This vaccine marks a significant advancement by covering the highest number of strains compared to the existing PCV-10 and PCV-13 vaccines available in India.

The vaccine targets 14 different strains of pneumococcal bacteria, offering broader protection against diseases such as pneumonia and meningitis. Pneumococcal infections, collectively known as Invasive Pneumococcal Disease (IPD), pose a significant health risk to children under five, particularly those under two years of age. IPD accounts for approximately 14% of childhood deaths in India, making enhanced immunization critical for reducing mortality rates.

Why PneumoShield 14 Stands Out

• Enhanced Coverage: Protects against five more strains than PCV-10 and two more than PCV-13.
• Improved Immune Response: As a conjugate vaccine, it combines bacterial components with a protein to boost the body’s immune defense.
• Recommended Schedule: Administered through intramuscular injections at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age.

Expert Perspectives
Swati Dalal, Managing Director of Abbott India, emphasized the vaccine’s potential to support healthy growth and development in children:
"This innovation demonstrates our commitment to strengthening our pediatric portfolio and addressing the pressing need for broader protection against pneumococcal diseases in India."

Dr. Surendranath, a pediatrician at JJ Hospital, Hyderabad, added:
"Advanced vaccines like PneumoShield 14 play a vital role in combating pneumococcal-related diseases, especially in children who are most vulnerable. Broader protection ensures a more comprehensive defense against severe illnesses such as pneumonia and meningitis."

Public Health Importance
Pneumococcal vaccines are a key component of India’s national immunization program, aimed at reducing childhood mortality. Abbott’s launch aligns with efforts to enhance vaccine accessibility and efficacy in preventing life-threatening bacterial infections in children.

Parents are encouraged to consult healthcare providers to ensure timely vaccinations and optimal protection for their children.