Targeting Low-Income Countries With Cost-Effective Rotavirus Vaccines

Rotavirus is a common type of virus that infects the intestine in human body. Easily spread among infants and children, this virus is the most communal cause of diarrhea across the globe, which has caused the death of approximately 500,000 children annually.In few cases even adults become infected of the virus, however the illness is usually mild. 

It is observed that almost 95% of the respective virus happens in young children who belong to low-income countries including Asia and Africa. This can be due to the fact that lifesaving care is limited or not available at all in underdeveloped countries. 

 

In order to prevent oneself, vaccination is the best way that is highly contagious and easily responds to traditional diarrhea prevention methods.Since the year 2006, vaccination for rotavirus infection has been available in the market for public.

The Vaccines

In order to fight against rotavirus, a new vaccine by the name of ROTAVAC® is awaiting licensure in India. If approved, this vaccine could transform the rotavirus children prevention motive including adults cure. The vaccination will be as cheap as $1 per dose to protect children. PATH, a cross-sector partnership led by Indian Government was involved in the development of vaccine. It provided technical support on various basic as well as critical clinical trials and manufacturing issues. PATH is also in close coordination with the manufacturers in China, India, and the United States to safeguard other rotavirus vaccine candidates, out of whom some are under clinical trials.

Apart from this, there are two existing rotavirus vaccines available across the geographies and are highly safe to use. These vaccinations are so effective that countries have seen drastic reductions in severe and fatal diarrhea. 

The Future

After receiving license for ROTAVAC in India, the owners can submit the vaccine to World Health Organization for prequalification. This will be a significant step in targeting effected children all over the countries with the pocket-friendly vaccine.

What are The Myths Associated to Vaccine?

Misunderstandings go hand in hand with vaccines. Such misapprehensions exist because many do not understand the way vaccines function. Every strategic advisory group has strived to spread the correct information about vaccines. The knowledge of vaccines in India is still less. Several vaccine-related myths populate the memory of a large part of Indian population. Let us debunk myths associated to vaccinums. Continue reading...

Myth 1 – Getting an overwhelming dose of vaccines can be harmful for a child’s immune system

The immunisation schedule for many parents is daunting. Parents, however, must realize that every immunization schedule is designed keeping in mind a child’s growth and development. Vaccinums never badly affects a child’s immune system. The bodies of babies are immunologically challenged every second by the dust they breathe, and the food (having traces of bacteria) they eat. Hence, babies have the capacity to react safely to the immunological challenges put up by a vaccine.

Myth 2 – Other children’s vaccinations can support a child’s immune system

Skipping vaccination sessions is never done in a child’s interest. By ignoring vaccine programs, parents put their child’s life in danger. The phenomenon to enjoy the protection got from a group of vaccinated individuals is known as herd immunity. The herd immunity, however, does work when a large number of vaccinated children/people exist. If the number of vaccinated people is low, then herd immunity can’t be enjoyed. The herd immunity for measles will be achieved only when 95 percent of population is vaccinated.

Myth 3 – No vaccinations are required as major illnesses have disappeared

Mankind has possibly controlled major diseases. Still it is not easy to say that the global population does not require any type of vaccines. To date, a few diseases – such as pertussis and measles – have the capacity to infect a large amount of population. In 2003 in the U.S., many children died due to pertussis.

These and many other myths surround vaccinations. Getting vaccinated is important for children as well as adults. The advances in medicine and vaccinology have helped in achieving success with vaccine optimization.