Pneumococcal
Conjugate
Vaccine (PCV)
(DOH Expanded Program on
Immunization – Philippines)
Introduction
The Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) is part
of the Department of Health’s
Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) since 2014.
It protects against serious infections caused by
Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), one of
the leading causes of death in children under 5 years
old. These infections include pneumonia, Meningitis,
sepsis, and otitis media.
Pneumococcal Diseases Prevented by PCV
Pneumonia Meningitis Sepsis Otitis Media
Definition: Infection of Definition: Infection of Sepsis (Blood Infection) Otitis Media (Middle Ear
the lungs where air the membranes Infection)
sacs fill with pus or covering the brain and Definition: Life-
fluid. spinal cord. threatening infection Definition: Infection of the
Cause: Streptococcus Cause: Streptococcus spreading through the middle ear, common in
pneumoniae. pneumoniae. bloodstream. children.
Symptoms: Cough, Symptoms: Fever, stiff Cause: Streptococcus Cause: Streptococcus
fever, rapid breathing, neck, severe pneumoniae. pneumoniae.
chest pain, difficulty headache, vomiting, Symptoms: Fever or low Symptoms: Ear pain,
breathing. seizures. temperature, fast fever, irritability, ear
Treatment: Antibiotics, Treatment: Immediate heartbeat, confusion, discharge, hearing loss.
oxygen therapy, IV antibiotics, hospital weakness, shock. Treatment: Pain relievers,
hospitalization if admission. Treatment: Urgent IV sometimes antibiotics.
severe. PCV Role: Prevents antibiotics, fluids, PCV Role: Prevents
PCV Role: Prevents pneumococcal intensive care. recurrent ear infections
pneumococcal meningitis, which can PCV Role: Prevents that may affect hearing
pneumonia, a leading cause death or lifelong deadly blood infections and speech
killer of Filipino children disability. that can kill children development.
under 5. within hours.
Purpose of the Vaccine
Reduce child deaths and disabilities
caused by pneumococcal
infections.
Provide early protection during
infancy.
Support DOH’s goal of reducing
preventable child deaths and
achieving global health targets.
Dosage, Schedule, and Route
(DOH EPI Standard)
Dosage: 0.5 mL per dose.
Route: Intramuscular (IM)
injection.
Schedule: 1st dose – 6 weeks old,
2nd dose – 10 weeks old, 3rd dose
– 14 weeks old.
Injection site for infants:
Anterolateral thigh muscle.
Importance to Global
Health Goals
Millennium Development Goal Sustainable Development Goal
4 (MDG 4): Reduce Child 3 (SDG 3): Good Health & Well-
Mortality Being
• Target 3.2: End preventable child deaths –
• Aim: Cut under-five deaths by two-thirds PCV reduces pneumonia and sepsis
(1990–2015). deaths.
• PCV helped by preventing pneumonia • Target 3.8: Universal health coverage –
and meningitis. PCV is provided free by DOH.
• Free access through DOH EPI supported • Impact: Reduces hospitalizations,
progress in reducing child deaths healthcare costs, and improves community
health.
Key Notes for Health
Workers
• Store PCV at +2°C to +8°C. Do not
freeze.
• Observe the child after vaccination
for reactions.
• Common mild side effects: fever,
redness, swelling at injection site.
Conclusion
The Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV)
is a life-saving intervention of the DOH Expanded Program
on Immunization. It protects Filipino children from
pneumonia, meningitis, sepsis, and ear infections. By
reducing child mortality and ensuring equitable vaccine
access, PCV contributed to the success of MDG 4 and
continues to advance SDG 3, securing a healthier future for
every child.
• Department of Health – Philippines. Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI).
Retrieved from: [Link]
• Department of Health – Philippines. Child Health and Immunization. Retrieved from:
[Link]
• World Health Organization. Pneumococcal vaccines position paper. WHO Weekly
Epidemiological Record.