Becomes the first state in north India to take this initiative

Chandigarh, December 19, 2012:The Department of Health, Government of Haryana will soon be launching the pentavalent vaccine in all 21 districts of the state. After the successful launch in Tamil Nadu and Kerala in 2011, pentavalent vaccine will be rolled out in Haryana, which provides protection against five life-threatening diseases -Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Hepatitis B and Hib (Haemophilus influenza type b). Hib is the primary cause for childhood pneumonia and meningitis.“Approximately ­­­­­­­­­­­­­5.5 lac children will be covered during the current year­­­­­­­­­­. This will not only prevent morbidity associated with pneumonia and meningitis but also avert thousands of deaths due to these diseases annually. The vaccine will be available free-of-cost at all public health institutions and through the State Routine Immunization program,” said Mrs. Navraj Sandhu, Principal Secretary, Health and Medical Education, Government of Haryana.