Impact of Rotavirus Vaccine in India
A recent study, published in The Nature Medicine, evaluated the impact of the indigenous rotavirus vaccine, Rotavac, in India's Universal Immunization Program (UIP) from 2016 to 2020. Conducted by Nayana P. Nair and Samarasimha N. Reddy, this observational, multi-centre analysis involved 31 hospitals across nine states.
Study Overview
- The study compared the incidence of rotavirus-based gastroenteritis before and after Rotavac's introduction.
- Rotavac is administered at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age.
- The vaccine is provided free under the UIP to eligible beneficiaries.
Findings
- The vaccine's effectiveness was reported at 54%, consistent with the phase 3 trial efficacy.
- Effectiveness was sustained during the first two years of life, crucial for combating the highest rotavirus burden.
- A significant reduction in pediatric rotavirus hospitalizations was observed.
Development and Support
- Rotavac was developed through a public-private partnership involving the Department of Biotechnology, Bharat Biotech, U.S. National Institutes of Health, and others.
- Supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, among other entities.
Significance
- Gagandeep Kang, an Indian virologist, highlighted the study’s importance, noting the real-world effectiveness of the vaccine.
- The study is among the largest ever conducted on rotavirus vaccine effectiveness in India.
Rotavirus Impact
- Rotavirus causes gastroenteritis and damages the small intestine's lining.
- It leads to approximately 128,500 deaths annually among children under five.
- India accounts for about one-fifth of global rotavirus-related deaths.
