Considering that rotavirus infection is increasing at a threatening pace in India, union health minister JP Nadda has announced the launch of Centre’s rotavirus vaccination programme in five Indian states. In the second phase, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Tripura will avail the benefits of free rotavirus vaccines for children. The announcement was officially made by minister Nadda during his Agartala visit. The vaccines will be available from February 18.
Rotavirus Diarrhoea is a Serious Concern for Rajasthan Government
Rotavirus diarrhoea is one of the leading causes of health problems in India. Approximately 40% kids die due to rotavirus infections every year. 1 out of 7 children, suffers from diarrhoea caused by rotavirus. The disease usually threatens the life of kids below 5 years of age. The disease poses serious risks to rotavirus patients aged 1 to 59 months.
In 2015, a research was conducted on 300 infants by Bal-Chikitsalay (paediatric clinic) at RNT Medical College, Udaipur. The survey revealed that 94 out of 300 children (31.33%) infants were suffering from Rotavirus infection in Rajasthan. The prevalence of disease in the selected population was as following:
- Below 6 months: 14.8%
- 6 to 12 months: 45.7%
- 12 to 24 months: 38.3%
- Above 24 months: Less than 1%
The infection was prevalent during spring and winter seasons (September to April), with November being a fatal month for kids. Children below 3 years in Rajasthan were more vulnerable to the disease.
How can Government Prevent Rotavirus Cases in Rajasthan?
At present, immunisation is the only effective rotavirus treatment. According to the survey conducted by John’s Hopkins University’s international vaccine access centre (IVAC), rotavirus vaccines can prevent up to 20,000 grave cases and save the lives of 1,000 infants suffering from diarrhoea.
Keeping this in mind, the centre will dispatch vaccines for infant population in Rajasthan. The vaccine will be given to all kids thrice during infancy at 6th, 10th and 14th week. The optimal dose of vaccine is 5 drops.
The average cost of rotavirus vaccine in the market is Rs 3,000 (for the full course). However, in line with the Centre’s national immunisation programme, the vaccines will be provided free of cost.
To ensure maximum efficiency of the vaccine, the government is working on strengthening the existing cold chain system for storage of new vaccines. With the success of this programme, Rajasthan, as well as other states in India, can successfully evade tragic rotavirus deaths.
