The Missed Shot: Why Pneumococcal Vaccines Still Don’t Reach Every Home

Pneumonia is one of the world’s deadliest yet most preventable infectious diseases. Every year, it claims the lives of over one lakh children under the age of five in India, more than any other single infection. Among older adults, especially those with diabetes, heart disease or weakened immunity, pneumonia can quickly become life-threatening. And yet, a safe and effective vaccine against one of its most common causes- the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, is still not a reality for many families. This World Pneumonia Day 2025, let us understand from a doctor the importance of timely pneumococcal vaccine shot.

Why Pneumococcal Vaccine Matters?

Since the pneumococcal bacteria causes severe pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections, the best way to protect against these complications is through the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV).

According to Dr Nidhin Mohan, Consultant, Internal Medicine, Narayana Health City, Bangalore, “Children are typically given three doses before the age of one, but a single dose is enough to protect the elderly against severe disease and complications.”

However, despite these proven benefits, vaccine resistance remains largely because awareness is low. While some states have included the pneumococcal vaccine under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP), in many parts of the country it is still available only in private hospitals at a cost that can be prohibitive for low-income families.

Also Read: Why Older Adults Are More At Risk Of Double Pneumonia And Signs To Spot Early

The awareness gap

“Many parents simply don’t know that this vaccine exists. Conversations about immunisation often focus on the standard schedule- polio, measles, or DPT, but awareness about pneumonia prevention is low. The elderly, too, are rarely counselled about the importance of vaccination against respiratory infections even though pneumonia can be fatal for them,” shares Dr Mohan.
Paediatricians often report that families decline the vaccine because they’ve never heard of it, or assume pneumonia is just another seasonal illness. Others delay vaccination because of cost concerns, especially when the vaccine is not available in government facilities.

Post-COVID vaccine fatigue

After the pandemic, vaccine awareness increased but so did misinformation. Dr Mohan shares, “Some parents wrongly believe that COVID-19 vaccination has covered them against all respiratory infections. Others have developed ‘vaccine fatigue’, assuming additional vaccines are unnecessary unless mandated by schools.”

This misinformation can be dangerous. Pneumococcal bacteria are unrelated to the coronavirus, and the protection offered by one does not cover the other.

Also Read: India Has The Second Highest Number Of Unvaccinated Children: Lancet

Closing the gap

To protect children and older adults, there is an urgent need to bridge both awareness and access gaps. This means:

• Expanding state-level inclusion of the pneumococcal vaccine in all immunisation programmes.
• Providing access to all, ensuring rural and semi-urban areas have access to vaccines through public health centres.
• Educating parents and caregivers about preventing pneumonia through interactions by frontline health workers.
• Encouraging adult vaccination, particularly for those with chronic diseases or low immunity.

Final Word

Dr Mohan concluded by saying, “The pneumococcal vaccine is a life-saving measure, not a luxury that only few can afford. Ensuring every child and older adult receives it is one of the most effective steps India can take to reduce pneumonia deaths. As doctors, policymakers, and families, it’s time we stop missing this shot.”