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Brunei Darussalam Expands Immunisation Programme to Combat Child Lung Infections


Bandar Seri Begawan: Bacterial lung infections rank among the primary causes of mortality in children under five globally, with pneumococcal infections leading the charge. In Brunei Darussalam, these infections have resulted in 4,000 pediatric admissions at the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital between 2018 and 2022. The introduction of the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) into the National Expansion Immunisation Programme aims to safeguard infants and young children against pneumococcal disease.



According to Radio Television Brunei, Doctor Hajah Hafizati binti Haji Md Jaya, the Acting Senior Medical Officer of the Department of Pediatrics and Neona-tology at the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital, discussed the benefits of the PCV during a Rampai Pagi Interview on February 2, 2025. She noted that PCV has been administered for over a decade to high-risk groups, including premature infants, immunocompromised individuals, and those with specific health conditions.



The vaccine is suitable for infants and children under five, senior citizens, and individuals with health issues that increase their risk of complications from pneumococcal infection. However, it is contraindicated for those who have previously experienced severe allergic reactions to PCV.

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