Rotavirus vaccine launched in India

To prevent severity of the rotavirus disease in the country, Merck Sharp and Dohme (MSD) pharmaceuticals on Thursday launched the Rotavirus vaccine. 

India witnesses one-fourth of the global deaths from rotavirus alone. Rotavirus is the main cause of severe diarrhoea in children and can prove fatal.

The business unit director for vaccines, women’s health and business support of the company, Monica Chaudhari said, “The vaccine was launched in America in 2006 by Merck and Co, which is known as MSD in India. Globally, children below the age of 5 suffer from rotavirus and 40% of them needs hospitalisation. The vaccine was made available in India last month and was launched formally on Thursday.” 

She also said that the vaccine has been launched in 62 countries and is on the national immunisation schedule in 11 countries.
Leading paediatrician, Dr Pramod Jog, said, “One out of 200 children under the age of 5 dies due to rotavirus in India. Although this vaccine is not a preventive vaccine for rotavirus, it reduces the
severity of the disease.” 

He added, “It is the only vaccine available in the country to prevent gastroenteritis as the virus is associated with diarrhoea. The vaccine has to be taken in three doses. Generally, infants aged between 6 and 32 weeks need to be given this vaccine as they are more prone to the virus.” 

The vaccine is priced at Rs900 for a dose. A vial is sufficient for one dose and the vaccine is preserved in standard cold storage available with doctors.