The vaccine is the most expensive so far, compared to other vaccines given free by the government on a regular basis. The vaccine is given against Haemophilus influenza Type B, (Hib), the bacteria known to be one of the two major causes of 50 percent of the total pneumonia among children. “We will start this vaccination by April next year,” said Dr Shyam Raj Upreti, chief of CHD.
The vaccine costs US $3.65 per dose, while other vaccines currently given by the government cost a maximum of 50 cents. However, the government is contributing only 20 cents per Hib vaccine, while the remaining amount is covered by the Global Alliance for Vaccine and Immunization (GAVA). “But the government will have to increase its cost every year under its co-financing scheme,” said Dr Upreti. “GAVA will stop donating when we increase the amount to the real price.”
According to Dr Upreti, pneumonia is still the number one cause of child mortality in the country. About 11,000 children die every year from the disease, which is 19 percent of the total child mortality.
However, the government has not taken final decision about choosing the Hib over a vaccine given against the pneumococcal bacteria, the second major bacteria contributing to 50 percent of total pneumonia cases among children. “We are studying the bacteria,” he said.
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