Realizing the need of inclusion of rotavirus vaccine in expanded program on immunization in Sindh, Pakistan

Authors

  • Osama Shabbir Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences
  • Laila Tul Qadar Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences
  • Fauzia Imtiaz Department of Biochemistry, Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29052/IJEHSR.v6.i2.2018.01-02

Keywords:

Rotavirus vaccine, Immunization, Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI)

Abstract

The basic goal of the expanded program on immunization (EPI) is to assure the proper immunization services that aids in preserving and promoting the health of children. The foundation of EPI in Pakistan was prompted and initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 19781. The current EPI of Pakistan has vaccines for Tuberculosis, Poliomyelitis, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Hepatitis B, Haemophilus Influenza-b (Hib) Pneumonia, Meningitis, and Measles. However, it doesn't include the most important Rotavirus vaccine which is internationally included in EPI of other 90 countries. Despite the advent of Rotavirus vaccine a decade ago, it is the most common cause of severe childhood diarrhea. Globally it results in more than half a million deaths among children of less than 5 years of age per annum. In 2006 first rotavirus vaccine was introduced in Finland (US) in 2 forms, Rotarix and Rotteq. Both had the maximum potential effect if given before 8 months of age. In the United States, studies depicted that after the introduction of the vaccine in 2006 mortality has reduced by more than two thirds. According to WHO, diarrhea has the 3rd highest rates of mortality in children amongst all infectious diseases.

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Published

2018-06-30

How to Cite

Shabbir, O., Qadar, L. T., & Imtiaz, F. (2018). Realizing the need of inclusion of rotavirus vaccine in expanded program on immunization in Sindh, Pakistan. International Journal of Endorsing Health Science Research, 6(2), 01–02. https://doi.org/10.29052/IJEHSR.v6.i2.2018.01-02

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