What is Pneumonia?

• Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. 
• The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus (purulent material), causing cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.
• A variety of organisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi, can cause pneumonia.
• Pneumonia can range in seriousness from mild to life-threatening.
• It is most serious for infants and young children, people older than age 65, and people with health problems or weakened immune systems.
• Vaccines are available to prevent some types of pneumonia and the flu.

Why in News?

The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has approved the first fully indigenously developed conjugate vaccine for pneumonia developed by the Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd, Pune.

More about the vaccine

• This Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Conjugate Vaccine is used for active immunisation against invasive disease and pneumonia caused by “streptococcus pneumonia” (bacteria) in infants.
• The vaccine is administered intramuscularly.

About DCGI

• Drugs Controller General of India is a department of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).
• DCGI is responsible for approval of licenses of specified categories of Drugs such as blood and blood products, I. V. Fluids, Vaccine and Sera. About CDSCO