Immunisation arsenal: Children in K-P to be given rotavirus jab

Under EPI, kids will now be vaccinated against 10 diseases, says official

PESHAWAR: Provincial authorities have decided to include vaccination against rotavirus, one of the leading infant killers, to their routine immunisation arsenal.



The move is expected to help save the lives of infants and reduce the financial burden on parents who find it hard to bring their children to hospitals and pay for their medicines after getting infected by the virus is not possible for common people.

“Some 24% of the 70% infants, who do not celebrate their 3rd birthday, are infected by rotavirus,” a senior official said, while requesting anonymity as he was not entitled to speak to media.

He said there was no official study to ascertain the total number of deaths but he termed the virus as a major contributor, adding that 80%-85% of the funding will come from the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation while the rest will by the government.



“Infants will receive two doses, one at the age of 45 days and the second at the age of 75 days,” he said.

Officials said preparations are being made as the provincial government has planned to include vaccination against rota virus to routine immunisation.

“Some 70% infants, below the age of two years, fall prey to diarrhea and 24% of those who do not survive are infected by the rotavirus,” a senior health official said.



The deputy director of the Extended Programme on Immunisation (EPI), Dr Hameed Afridi, said efforts are under way to set up a cold chain and fulfill other important requirements since the programme will be introduced countrywide.

“This will become part of the EPI programme in which children will be vaccinated not only against 9 but 10 diseases in routine,” Afridi told The Express Tribune.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 6^th, 2016.