Context:

A recent study published in Nature Medicine has provided compelling evidence of the effectiveness of the indigenous rotavirus vaccine, Rotavac, in preventing gastroenteritis among children in India. The researchers conducted this observational, multicentre analysis across 31 hospitals in nine states between 2016 and 2020.

Study Overview:

The study aimed to evaluate the real-world effectiveness of Rotavac, an oral rotavirus vaccine introduced in India’s Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) in 2016. Administered at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age, the vaccine was provided free of cost to all eligible beneficiaries under the UIP.

Key Findings:

·        Vaccine Effectiveness: The study reported an adjusted vaccine effectiveness of 54% against severe rotavirus gastroenteritis (SRVGE), aligning with the efficacy observed in earlier phase 3 clinical trials.

·        Sustained Impact: The effectiveness remained consistent during the first two years of life, a critical period when children are most susceptible to rotavirus infections.

·        Hospitalization Rates: A significant reduction in pediatric rotavirus-related hospitalizations was observed, indicating the vaccine's role in alleviating healthcare burdens.

About Rotavac:

Rotavac is an oral vaccine to prevent rotavirus gastroenteritis, a highly contagious disease that causes severe diarrhea and vomiting in infants and young children. The vaccine is given as a liquid administered by mouth. 

Rotavac was developed through a public-private partnership involving the Department of Biotechnology, Bharat Biotech, the U.S. National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Stanford University, and PATH, with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, among others.

Significance of the findings:

• • Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe gastroenteritis in children under five years old, resulting in approximately 128,500 deaths annually worldwide.
  • India accounts for about one-fifth of these global deaths. The introduction of Rotavac has been a significant step in reducing this mortality rate, especially in low-resource settings.

Conclusion

The findings from this extensive study underscore the efficacy of the indigenous Rotavac vaccine in preventing severe rotavirus gastroenteritis among children in India. Its introduction into the UIP has not only contributed to a decline in hospitalization rates but also represents a significant achievement in public health, particularly in combating childhood mortality due to diarrheal diseases.