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Review
. 2019 Sep 16;37(39):5817-5824.
doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.07.104. Epub 2019 Aug 30.

Introducing rotavirus vaccine in the Universal Immunization Programme in India: From evidence to policy to implementation

Akash Malik  1 , Pradeep Haldar  2 , Arindam Ray  3 , Anita Shet  4 , Bhrigu Kapuria  5 , Sheenu Bhadana  6 , Mathuram Santosham  7 , Raj Shankar Ghosh  8 , Robert Steinglass  9 , Rakesh Kumar  10
Affiliations
Review

Introducing rotavirus vaccine in the Universal Immunization Programme in India: From evidence to policy to implementation

Akash Malik et al. Vaccine. .

Abstract

Background: In 2016, India became one of the first countries in Asia to introduce an indigenously manufactured rotavirus vaccine. However, any new vaccine introduction needs to be meticulously planned to allow for strengthening of the existing immunization systems instead of burdening them.

Methods: The process of rotavirus vaccine introduction in India started with the establishment of National Rotavirus Surveillance Network in 2005 which generated relevant evidence to inform policy level decisions to introduce the vaccine. The preparatory activities started with assessment of health systems and closing any gaps. This was followed by development of vaccine specific training packages and cascade training for programme managers and health workers. The introduction was complemented with strong communications systems and media involvement to allow for good acceptability of the vaccine on the ground. Each step of introduction was led by the government and technically supported by development partners.

Results: India introduced rotavirus vaccine in a phased wise manner. In the first two phases the vaccine has been introduced in nine states of the country accounting for nearly 35% of the annual birth cohort of the country. From March 2016 to November 2017, approximately 13,260,000 rotavirus vaccine doses were administered in the country. The vaccine was well accepted by both the health workers and parents/caregivers.

Conclusion: Rotavirus vaccine introduction in India is an excellent example of how government stewardship with well-defined roles for development partners can allow a new vaccine introduction to be used as a system strengthening activity.

Keywords: Diarrhea; Immunization; Rotavirus vaccine.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Decision making process for RVV introduction in India.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
RVV introduction in India – Phase 1 and 2 states.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Government initiatives to reduce the burden of diarrhea in India apart from and prior to RVV introduction.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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