India Pneumococcal Vaccine Market By Vaccine Type (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine, Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine), By End Use (Public Sector, Private Sector), By Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

India Pneumococcal Vaccine Market was valued at USD 32.52 Million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 48.67 Million by 2030 with a CAGR of 6.91% during the forecast period. The India pneumococcal vaccine market is experiencing significant growth, driven by government initiatives, rising disease burden, and expanding healthcare infrastructure. The inclusion of the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) in the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) has been a major growth factor, ensuring higher vaccine coverage, especially in high-burden states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Maharashtra. Additionally, growing awareness about pneumonia-related mortality, particularly among children, has increased vaccine adoption. The presence of leading domestic manufacturers, such as the Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech, has also contributed to affordability and availability, reducing dependency on imports. Moreover, international organizations like Gavi, WHO, and UNICEF have played a crucial role in expanding vaccine accessibility across rural and underserved regions.

However, the market also faces key challenges, including low adult vaccination rates, as pneumococcal vaccines are largely perceived as pediatric-focused. The uptake of Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPSV) remains limited due to lower awareness among high-risk adult groups such as the elderly and individuals with chronic diseases. Additionally, supply chain constraints in remote regions hinder vaccine distribution, despite government efforts to improve last-mile delivery. Vaccine hesitancy in certain rural areas, fueled by misinformation and lack of education, further slows adoption. Despite these challenges, India's pneumococcal vaccine market is poised for sustained growth, driven by increasing investments in public health initiatives, expanding private sector involvement, and advancements in domestic vaccine production.

Key Market Drivers

Rising Geriatric Population

India’s rapidly growing elderly population is a key driver of the pneumococcal vaccine market, as individuals aged 60 and above are highly susceptible to pneumococcal infections, including pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis. As of now, India has approximately 153 million elderly individuals, a number expected to surge to 347 million by 2050, highlighting the increasing demand for preventive healthcare solutions, including vaccination. The weakening immune system in aging individuals makes them more vulnerable to severe respiratory infections, leading to higher hospitalization rates and mortality risks. Consequently, pneumococcal vaccination has become a critical preventive measure, reducing both disease incidence and the associated economic burden on the healthcare system.

A particularly concerning trend is the rapid growth of the 80+ age group, projected to increase by 279% between 2022 and 2050, according to the 2023 India Ageing Report. This demographic is characterized by high dependency levels, with a significant number of elderly women who are widowed and financially dependent. Many in this group suffer from chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory illnesses, further heightening their risk of pneumococcal infections. Given that pneumonia remains a leading cause of death among the elderly in India, preventive measures like pneumococcal vaccination are gaining increased importance in public health strategies.

Despite these clear benefits, vaccination rates among older adults remain low, primarily due to lack of awareness, vaccine hesitancy, and limited government focus on adult immunization programs. Unlike pediatric vaccination, which is well-integrated into India's Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), adult vaccination programs are still in their nascent stages. However, with the expansion of private healthcare services, rising disposable incomes, and increasing awareness among geriatric populations, the adoption of Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPSV) and Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) for adults is expected to rise. Additionally, insurance coverage for preventive vaccines and initiatives by organizations like WHO and Gavi to promote adult immunization could further accelerate growth.

Expanding Healthcare Infrastructure

India’s rapidly expanding healthcare infrastructure is playing a pivotal role in improving access to pneumococcal vaccination across both urban and rural areas. As of March 31, 2023, the country has an extensive network of 1,69,615 Sub-Centres (SCs), 31,882 Primary Health Centres (PHCs), 6,359 Community Health Centres (CHCs), 1,340 Sub-Divisional/District Hospitals (SDHs), 714 District Hospitals (DHs), and 362 Medical Colleges (MCs). This growing infrastructure has strengthened vaccine distribution networks, allowing more individuals, especially in rural and underserved regions, to receive pneumococcal vaccines. The inclusion of pneumococcal vaccination under national immunization programs has further driven demand, ensuring that vaccines reach high-risk populations, including children and the elderly.

The presence of a large healthcare workforce has also contributed significantly to the rising pneumococcal vaccine uptake. India’s healthcare system is supported by 2,39,911 health workers at SCs, 40,583 doctors/medical officers at PHCs, 26,280 specialists and medical officers at CHCs, and 45,027 doctors and specialists at SDHs and DHs. Additionally, a robust nursing and paramedical workforce, comprising 47,932 staff nurses at PHCs, 51,059 nursing staff at CHCs, and 1,35,793 paramedical staff at SDHs and DHs, has enhanced last-mile vaccine delivery. The increasing availability of trained personnel ensures that vaccine administration is conducted efficiently, reducing the risk of pneumococcal infections, particularly in high-burden states.

Furthermore, the availability of hospital beds has improved significantly, with 8,18,661 beds across PHCs, CHCs, SDHs, DHs, and medical colleges as of March 2023. This infrastructure expansion has not only strengthened treatment capacity for pneumococcal diseases but also emphasized preventive healthcare, encouraging vaccine adoption to reduce hospitalization rates. Medical colleges and tertiary healthcare centers are also playing a key role in conducting vaccine awareness programs and training healthcare professionals, further promoting adult and pediatric immunization.

Despite these advancements, challenges such as supply chain gaps, vaccine hesitancy, and uneven healthcare access in remote areas persist. However, with continued government investment, private sector participation, and public health awareness campaigns, India’s healthcare expansion is expected to drive higher pneumococcal vaccine adoption, reducing disease burden and improving overall public health outcomes.

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Key Market Challenges

Low Adult Vaccination Rates

One of the significant challenges in the India pneumococcal vaccine market is the low vaccination rate among adults, particularly among high-risk groups such as the elderly and individuals with chronic diseases. While pediatric immunization programs are well-integrated into the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), adult vaccination awareness and uptake remain limited. Unlike countries where adult vaccination is a standard preventive measure, in India, there is a general lack of awareness regarding the benefits of pneumococcal vaccination for adults, including those suffering from diabetes, chronic respiratory illnesses, and cardiovascular conditions.

A key reason behind this low adoption is the absence of a structured adult immunization program at the national level. Unlike childhood vaccines, which are administered at government facilities free of cost, adult pneumococcal vaccines are often self-financed, making affordability a barrier for lower-income groups. Additionally, the high cost of vaccines in private healthcare settings further discourages uptake. For example, Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) and Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPSV) for adults can cost anywhere between ₹2,500 to ₹4,500 per dose, making it inaccessible for a large section of the population.

Another challenge is vaccine hesitancy and misinformation. Many adults and even healthcare providers do not prioritize pneumococcal vaccination as a routine preventive measure. Unlike childhood vaccines, which are widely promoted, there is a lack of large-scale awareness campaigns targeting adult populations. This leads to a low recommendation rate by physicians, as many focus more on curative treatments rather than preventive immunization. Additionally, myths surrounding vaccines, such as concerns over side effects or necessity, further contribute to poor uptake.

Addressing this challenge requires government intervention to integrate adult immunization into public health programs, insurance coverage for preventive vaccines, and awareness campaigns emphasizing the benefits of pneumococcal vaccination for adults. Additionally, subsidized pricing mechanisms and private sector partnerships can play a crucial role in improving vaccine accessibility. Without these efforts, the market for pneumococcal vaccines among adults will remain underpenetrated, limiting its potential impact on public health.

Key Market Trends

Increasing Research & Development

The India pneumococcal vaccine market is witnessing a significant boost due to increasing research and development (R&D) efforts aimed at enhancing vaccine efficacy, affordability, and accessibility. With the growing burden of pneumococcal infections and rising demand for cost-effective and broad-spectrum vaccines, both domestic and international pharmaceutical companies are investing heavily in R&D to develop next-generation pneumococcal vaccines tailored to India’s diverse population.

One major area of focus in R&D is the development of broader coverage vaccines. Current pneumococcal vaccines, such as Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) and Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPSV), offer protection against select pneumococcal serotypes. However, with over 90 pneumococcal serotypes identified worldwide, researchers are working on expanded valency vaccines that provide immunity against a wider range of serotypes prevalent in India. Companies such as Serum Institute of India (SII), Bharat Biotech, and multinational firms like Pfizer and Merck are actively involved in this development, with SII’s Pneumosil being a notable example of an affordable, India-specific pneumococcal vaccine.

Another key trend in R&D is the push for lower-cost vaccine production through advancements in recombinant vaccine technology and novel adjuvants. India, known for its strong vaccine manufacturing capabilities, is leveraging biotechnology innovations and scalable production techniques to reduce the cost of pneumococcal vaccines, making them more accessible to the country’s vast population. Additionally, research is being conducted to improve thermostability and enhance vaccine shelf life, which is crucial for efficient distribution in remote areas with limited cold chain infrastructure.

The growing public-private partnerships (PPPs) and government support for vaccine innovation are further driving this trend. Initiatives by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and collaborations with WHO and Gavi are providing funding and resources for the development of next-generation pneumococcal vaccines. Furthermore, clinical trials evaluating single-dose or combination vaccines with other childhood immunizations are also gaining traction, potentially streamlining immunization schedules and improving compliance rates.

Segmental Insights

Vaccine Type Insights

Based on Vaccine Type, Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine have emerged as the dominating segment in the India Pneumococcal Vaccine Market in 2024. The dominance of PCV is driven by its inclusion in the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), strong government support, and higher immunogenicity compared to Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPSV).

The Indian government’s large-scale immunization initiatives have significantly increased PCV coverage, particularly among infants and young children. The introduction of affordable domestically produced PCVs, such as Serum Institute of India's Pneumosil, has further boosted its adoption, making it a cost-effective alternative to Pfizer’s Prevnar 13 and GSK’s Synflorix. PCV provides long-term immunity and immune memory, making it the preferred choice over PPSV, which is mainly used for high-risk adults but remains underutilized due to low awareness and lack of structured adult vaccination programs.

With continued government funding, international partnerships, and rising awareness, PCV is expected to maintain its dominance in the India pneumococcal vaccine market in the coming years.

End Use Insights

Based on End Use, Public Sector have emerged as the dominating segment in the India Pneumococcal Vaccine Market in 2024. This dominance is primarily driven by government-led immunization programs, large-scale procurement, and affordability initiatives aimed at ensuring widespread vaccine coverage, particularly among infants and vulnerable populations. The Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) has been instrumental in boosting the demand for pneumococcal vaccines in the public sector, providing free or subsidized vaccination through government hospitals, primary health centers (PHCs), and community health centers (CHCs).

Organizations like WHO, Gavi, and UNICEF have collaborated with the Indian government to enhance vaccine accessibility, further strengthening the public sector's dominance. The introduction of domestically manufactured cost-effective vaccines like Serum Institute of India's Pneumosil has made PCV more affordable for large-scale public distribution. While the private sector caters to urban, high-income populations through hospitals and clinics, its contribution remains secondary due to higher vaccine costs and out-of-pocket expenditures. With the government’s continued focus on expanding immunization coverage and reducing the burden of pneumococcal diseases, the public sector is expected to maintain its leading position in the coming years.

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Regional Insights

Based on Region, North India have emerged as the dominating region in the India Pneumococcal Vaccine Market in 2024. This dominance can be attributed to high population density, strong government immunization initiatives, and a well-established healthcare infrastructure. States such as Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan have witnessed significant pneumococcal vaccine adoption, driven by large-scale public sector procurement under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP).

North India has a higher prevalence of respiratory infections and pneumonia cases, particularly among infants and the elderly, further increasing vaccine demand. The presence of leading medical institutions, research centers, and government-backed healthcare programs has also contributed to the region's strong market position. Furthermore, rising awareness, increasing private sector participation, and improved vaccine accessibility in both urban and rural areas have fueled market growth in the region. With continued government efforts and an expanding healthcare network, North India is expected to maintain its dominance in the pneumococcal vaccine market in the coming years.

Recent Development

• In November 2024, Abbott has launched India’s first 14-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine for children, expanding protection against pneumococcal infections. The new vaccine covers 14 serotypes, enhancing immunity beyond existing options. This launch strengthens India’s immunization efforts, offering broader disease coverage and supporting government initiatives to reduce childhood pneumonia and related complications. Abbott aims to improve pediatric healthcare accessibility with this innovation.
• In November 2024, Walvax Biotechnology has officially exported its PCV13 (13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine) to India, marking a significant milestone in global vaccine supply. This export enhances India’s pneumococcal immunization efforts, providing an alternative to existing vaccines. With cost-effective pricing and expanded coverage, Walvax’s entry is expected to strengthen competition and improve vaccine accessibility for children across the country.
• In June 2023, Gujarat took significant steps to improve Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) coverage under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP). Focused on reducing childhood pneumonia and mortality, the initiative aimed to enhance vaccine accessibility across urban and rural areas. Strengthened healthcare efforts and awareness campaigns contributed to increased immunization rates, ensuring better protection for children in the state.
• In February 2023, Gavi and the Government of India have established a new partnership to protect millions of children by 2026, focusing on expanding immunization programs, including the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV). This collaboration aims to enhance vaccine accessibility, reduce childhood pneumonia cases, and strengthen India's Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), ensuring broader protection against pneumococcal diseases nationwide.

Key Market Players

• Pfizer Inc.
• Merck & Co. Inc.
• GlaxoSmithKline PLC
• Novartis AG
• Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd.
• Panacea Biotec Limited
• Sanofi SA

Report Scope

In this report, the India Pneumococcal Vaccine Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• India Pneumococcal Vaccine Market, By Vaccine Type:

o   Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine

o   Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine

• India Pneumococcal Vaccine Market, By End Use:

o   Public Sector

o   Private Sector

• India Pneumococcal Vaccine Market, By Region:

o   East India

o   West India

o   North India

o   South India

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the India Pneumococcal Vaccine Market.

Available Customizations:

India Pneumococcal Vaccine Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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