The Ministry of Health (MoH) has introduced the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) into Brunei Darussalam’s Expanded Programme on Immunisation, effective February 1 as part of efforts to protect infants and children from pneumococcal diseases.
With this addition, the immunisation programme now includes 12 vaccines to prevent 12 vaccine-preventable diseases. Vaccinations under the programme are provided free of charge at Maternal and Child Health Clinics nationwide.
According to the MoH, the introduction of PCV aligns with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations to enhance protection against pneumococcal infections among children.
The move underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding children’s health and supporting a healthier future for the nation.
PCV protects against infections caused by streptococcus pneumoniae, a leading cause of serious illnesses such as pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis, particularly among children under five.
The vaccine will be administered in three doses at two months, four months, and 12 months as part of the routine immunisation schedule.
A catch-up immunisation programme for infants and children born between February 2023 and January 2025 will also begin in February 2025. Parents will be contacted by their Maternal and Child Health Clinic to arrange vaccinations. – James Kon
