DW BUREAU / PATIALA The Department of Community Medicine of the Gian Sagar Medical College in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), Punjab State, today organized a workshop on 'Vaccination Preventable Disease Surveillance and Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) Introduction'. Dr Kamaljit Singh, Principal of the College, speaking on the occasion highlighted the importance of vaccination. Dr SPS Goraya, Medical Superintendent, said there was urgent need to protect infants and children from pneumonia which is responsible for mortality and morbidity. The workshop was attended by various heads of departments, senior faculty members, staff nurses, ANMs of the Gian Sagar Medical College and Hospital. Dr Vikram Gupta, Surveillance Medical Officer, spoke on vaccination preventable disease surveillance and DPT surveillance, measles rubella surveillance, and DPT surveillance. He stressed on the need for continued surveillance of AFP with proper sample collection within 14 days of onset of paralysis in suspected cases. He said DPT surveillance is important to detect any cases due to lack of immunization in high risk areas. Dr Paritosh Dhawan spoke about different types of pneumococcal vaccine (PCV) and rationale of inclusion of PCV in national immunization schedule. He said PCV 10 is going to be introduced in Punjab state and is to be given in two primary doses at 6 weeks and 14 weeks along with booster dose at 9 months of age. Dr Sushil Dalal, Professor in Department of Community Medicine, proposed a vote of thanks. (editor@dailyworld.in)