As part of the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP), the vaccine will be administered in government hospitals and clinics across the state.
Bangalore, April 5, 2013: The Pentavalent vaccine, the vaccine which prevents killer diseases in children like diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis-B and Influenza-B has been incorporated into Universal Immunisation Program in Karnataka from March 17, 2013. The vaccine will now be a single injection providing protection against Hib diseases* and will replace earlier used DPT and hepatitis –B injections.
The vaccine is in use for more than 20 years in nearly 180 countries. More than 160 million doses of Hib-containing pentavalent vaccine were distributed worldwide in 2012, including approximately 90 million doses manufactured in India. The vaccine has an excellent safety record that is well researched and published.
The vaccine was launched as a part of UIP in Kerala and Tamil Nadu in December 2011 and following the recommendations of a post-introduction evaluation led by World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2012, it has also been introduced in Gujarat, Goa, Pondicherry, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka and Delhi. The vaccine is recommended by the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
The vaccine that was available only at private health facilities earlier in Karnataka will now be a part of routine immunization schedule of the Government’s UIP. The move will help reduce the burden of child mortality and disability in children because of Hib diseases. During the launch of the vaccine in March, the Hon’ble Chief Minister and Health Minister of Karnataka urged all parents to get the benefit of this vaccine from government health facilities across the state.
In an effort to create awareness among public about the vaccine and to promote the benefits of the immunisation program, the Government of Karnataka and the National Rural Health Mission, Government of India and supported by UNICEF, WHO and other program partners presented several critical aspects related to the pentavalent vaccine program implementation in the state.
During an interactive session with the media, Mr. Madan Gopal, Principal Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka said, “Universal Immunization Programme has proved beneficial to millions of children. The Government of Karnataka has taken a major step to ensure disease free childhood in the state, and pentavalent vaccination will bring down child mortality and morbidity further”. Dr. Geetha Nyamgoudar, Project Director, RCH added that “Infants will be given three doses of the vaccine at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age. Approximately 11 lakh infants will benefit from this vaccine this year and every year in the state.”
Speaking on the importance of Pentavalent vaccine expansion in UIP, Dr Satish Gupta, Health Specialist, UNICEF said, “Pentavalent vaccine expansion is a significant step in India’s Call to Action to renew its commitment to child survival by strengthening key strategic public health interventions. Two out of five infants in India - nearly 40% of children - does not receive these life-saving vaccine doses. The children missed by essential vaccinations remain defenceless against these killer diseases.” The media workshop held in Bangalore sets off a series of activities that are being planned by the Government of India, UNICEF, WHO and other partners to mark the World Immunization Week from April 24-30 and builds on the Government’s routine immunization campaign.
The dialogue with media from all over Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Delhi was facilitated by experts from the Government of Karnataka, WHO and UNICEF and, also included representatives from professional bodies such as Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP).
Participants from the media shared insights on how media can be an important partner in creating awareness about the vaccine. The workshop provided an opportunity to establish meaningful collaboration with practitioners from the media and discuss the importance of immunization programme and underlining benefits of Pentavalent Vaccine.
Note to Editor
Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) is a bacterium which causes severe pneumonia, meningitis and other life-threatening conditions in children less than five years of age. An estimated 24 to 30 lakh serious cases and 72,000 child deaths due to Hib diseases (pneumonia and meningitis) are reported every year in India. Pneumonia is the leading cause of death in 1-59 month old children (16%) in India. Giving pentavalent vaccine means reducing the number of pricks to a child from six to three, with additional protection from Hib diseases. Hib Vaccination can prevent over a third of pneumonia cases and 90% of Hib meningitis cases. Furthermore, 15- 35% of meningitis survivors suffer permanent neurologic damage.
For further information please contact:
Govt. of Karnataka:
Dr. Geetha Nyamgoudar, Project Director, (RCH)
Mobile: +91-94-4984-3005
Dr. Husensaheb. M. Khaji, Deputy Director, Immunization
Mobile: +91-94-4984-3418
UNICEF:
Prosun Sen, Communication Specialist, UNICEF Office for Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka,
Mobile: +91- 95-0265-5533, Email: psen@unicef.org
Sonia Sarkar, Communication Officer (Media), UNICEF India, Mobile: +91-98-9186-1445, E-mail: ssarkar@unicef.org
No comments:
Post a Comment