With intention to introduce the ‘Rotavirus vaccine’ in Chhattisgarh, a state level workshop for the district immunization and other health department officials was held at a private hotel on Thursday.
Government of Chhattisgarh has decided to introduce the Rotavirus Vaccine (RVV) as it is considered as most effective in preventing the most severe and life-threatening cases of Rotavirus diarrhea, which is the foremost cause of childhood mortality in India as well as globally.
During the training, officials intimated that diarrhea is responsible for about 9% of under-five deaths globally and 10% under five deaths in India, translating to around 1.2 lakh death. It spreads primarily by the faeco-oral route directly from person to person or indirectly via contamination.
The vaccine is given orally to infants in a three-dose schedule, at the age of 6, 10, 14 weeks. The vaccine will be co-administered with other vaccines as per the national immunization schedule. The vaccine has already been introduced in 11 states of the country.
Secretary, Health department Niharika Barik Singh urged the health officials to ensure success of the vaccination drive to bring down child mortality rate in the state.