Health Department to start rotavirus vaccine from July

Chandigarh, June 26

The UT Health Department is going to introduce rotavirus vaccine (RVV) in Routine Immunisation Schedule from July onwards. Rotavirus vaccine will be provided free of cost under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP).

Rotavirus is a highly contagious virus and makes thousands of babies and young children sick every year. Vaccination is the only specific intervention strategy for protection from rotavirus infection.

The vaccine protects 9 out of 10 children from getting severe illness caused by rotavirus. Rotavirus accounts for 40 per cent of hospitalisation due to diarrhoea amongst children in India.

The clinical features of rotavirus diarrhoea may vary from transient loose stools to severe diarrhoea with vomiting. If not treated adequately, it may cause in dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, shock and death.

Rotavirus vaccine has been included in the National Immunisation Programme of 96 countries. It is being expanded throughout the country in a phased manner. Rotavirus vaccine has been rolled out in 11 states in a phased manner. Now it is being expanded to the remaining 25 states and union territories, including Chandigarh.

It is given orally to infants in a three dose schedule at 6, 10 and 14 weeks of age. The vaccine will be co-administered with other vaccines as per the immunisation schedule.

Two-day regional training of trainers’ workshop on rotavirus vaccine was conducted in Chandigarh in May, which was facilitated by the WHO, the UNICEF, the JSI and the UNDP. — TNS

 Zone-wise trainings

Zone-wise trainings of health functionaries, including medical officers, LHVs and ANMs, on rotavirus vaccine will be held on June 27 and 28 at the State Institute of Health & Family Welfare, GMSH-16, Chandigarh.