Only vaccinations can save the world

From: Amar Ujjala

Immunization: The Big Picture

Immunization is one of the most successful and cost-effective public health interventions. According to the latest data, in 2011, global efforts to immunize children with vaccines against life-threatening diseases reached 107 million children and averting an estimated 2 to 3 million deaths per year along with countless episodes of illness and disability.

However, despite significant gains in recent years, some 22.4 million children (almost 20% of children born each year) are not immunized, exposing them to disabilities or premature death. Among immunized children, more than 70% live in the 10 countries with the largest populations and the weakest immunization structures in the world.

Immunization has the potential to boost a country's growth. Immunization makes economic sense. Many analyses weighing the costs versus the benefits of vaccination have shown positive economic impact. What's more, the infrastructure, management and acceptability of immunization programmes offer a platform to deliver other integrated health and nutrition interventions.

Vaccines work by introducing into a person's immune system a harmless form of a bacterium, toxin or virus that a healthy person's body recognizes as unusual and responds by devising a defense (immunity) against it.

The most commonly applied global standard of routine immunization coverage is reflected in an individual's receipt of three doses of DTP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis) vaccine, or DTP3. The most recent estimates (2011) show a continuing positive trend in global DTP3 coverage, which was received by 83% of children under one year of age.


Disparities in immunization coverage exist within and among the world's regions and countries.  While DTP3 coverage is 96% in the industrialized countries, none of the regions in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa have been able to attain such high coverage, leaving large unimmunizatied populations in the least developed countries. To make matters worse, an inequity of coverage prevails within many countries, especially developing countries.

UNICEF and its partner organizations are responding to the challenge with a global push to ensure that the hardest children to reach – most of them in Africa and Asia – are immunized. Major initiatives are underway to accelerate the development and deployment of new and underused vaccines, for example hepatitis B (Hep B) and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine. The number of countries using Hep B vaccine has increased from 107 in 2000 to 180 in 2011 and for the Hib vaccine, has increased from 29 in 1997 to 177 in 2011.

Significant progress has been made to reduce mortality and morbidity due to vaccine preventable diseases such as polio, measles and maternal and neonatal tetanus through supplementary immunization activities or campaigns, in addition to routine vaccination programmes. These campaigns provide valuable opportunities to reach children in older age groups compared to routine vaccination and to introduce other high-impact life-saving interventions such as vitamin A tablets, insecticide treated bed nets and de-worming tablets.

Achievements aside, there are daunting challenges in vaccinating all target children, not least of which is rising cost. Providing traditional and new vaccines (such as HepB and Hib) can now cost as much as $20 to $40 per child. Other obstacles to higher coverage include non-availability of sustainable resources, poor management and logistics systems, inequity in services, and a lack of community engagement.

From: UNICEF Global website

Karnataka Government Reaches Out To Millions Of Children With Pentavalent Vaccine

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

Indian Academy Of Pediatrics Bats For Pentavalent Vaccines

The Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) has issued a statement commending the government's efforts in providing free pentavalent vaccines and calling the fears as unfounded. The pentavalent vaccine is supposed to provide protection against five life-threatening diseases - Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Hepatitis B and Hib (Haemophilus influenza type b). While, the DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus) and Hepatitis B are already part of the national routine immunization programme, the union government has recently added the protection against Hib. The combination together is called pentavalent. The centre had recently introduced the vaccine in Haryana, Goa, and Pondicherry after Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

From The Times Of India

Media Engagement In Haryana To Bring Mass Awareness Around Pentavalent Vaccine

The role of media is well established when it comes to reach and connect to the masses, the most effective tools of bringing mass awareness around any issue. Therefore, engaging media is always considered as an important requisite while initiating something novel especially pertaining to public health interventions, like vaccination.

Considering the fact, state of Haryana, the first in north India to launch pentavalent vaccine as part of state immunization programme, in association with UNICEF and National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) organised a workshop to engage health editors from local and national media.

The media engagement workshop around pentavalent vaccine was highly acclaimed among the fraternity; it not only helped them understand the concept, rationale and logic of pentavalent vaccine in Indian setting but also allowed them to clarify their doubts and queries around it.  

Engaging journalists at grass root level is crucial to counter biased reporting in cases of Adverse Effects Following Immunization (AEFI). Reporting, not based on scientific validation, could lead to panic and lack of trust among the masses. On the other hand, if the writer is well aware of the issues revolving around the vaccine, he or she can actually help in saving the endeavor from getting off the track.

The role of the media professional, in this case, would be to go beyond just providing information and extend to creating an acceptance among the masses by informing and engaging them.

Puducherry Launches Pentavalent Vaccine In The State Immunization Programme

Puducherry launches pentavalent vaccine in the state immunization programme

UNICEF and GHS conduct media engagement with the media in partnership with Government of Puducherry and NRHM

Puducherry, January 11, 2013: The Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Puducherry will be soon launching the pentavalent vaccine in all four districts of the state. After its successful launch in Tamil Nadu and Kerala in 2011, pentavalent vaccine will be rolled out in the state, which provides protection against five life threatening diseases Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Hepatitis B and Hib (Haemophilus influenza type b). The vaccine is likely to cover 22,000 children (birth to one year).

On the occasion, the Government, UNICEF and Global Health Strategies (GHS) conducted a pre-launch engagement programme with the state and national media. The representatives from the media houses were provided key information on the safety and efficacy of the vaccine through a participatory and consultative process.  Shri G Ragesh Chandra IAS, Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Government of Puducherry and Dr K V Raman, Director Health and Family Welfare, Government of Puducherry in the presence of­ Dr. Chandrakant Lahariya of WHO and paediatricians from Puducherry engaged with media persons.

“Pneumonia is the leading cause for under-five child mortality in India. This is an important step by the Government to ensure that preventable deaths caused by pneumonia and meningitis are addressed,” said Chandrakant Lahariya, RI & New Vaccine Focal Person, WHO.

Dr. K V Raman added, “The decision to use the pentavalent vaccine will result in tremendous logistical conveniences. Since five vaccines are stored in a single vial, a lot of space will be freed up for storage and transportation. Also, a single auto-disable syringe will be used instead of three per child, thereby substantially reducing the plastic and sharp waste as well. We are happy to partner with UNICEF and GHS in this engagement programme with media which can play an important role in dispelling myths and misconceptions associated.”

Mr. Kaushik Bose, Senior Manager, Global Health Strategies said “These vaccines are available in the private market for a long time and those who can afford them can protect their children. However the vaccine should reach the population that needs them the most. By introducing pentavalent vaccines in the state immunization programme, the Government of Puducherry will save lives of many more children, who would not have access to this vaccine otherwise. We congratulate the Government for the progressive steps taken for the children in Puducherry.”

Haryana Launches Pentavalent Vaccine In The State Immunization Program, to Counter Pneumonia and Meningitis

                                    Becomes the first state in north India to take this initiative

Chandigarh, December 19, 2012: The Department of Health, Government of Haryana will soon be launching the pentavalent vaccine in all 21 districts of the state. After the successful launch in Tamil Nadu and Kerala in 2011, pentavalent vaccine will be rolled out in Haryana, which provides protection against five life-threatening diseases -Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Hepatitis B and Hib (Haemophilus influenza type b). Hib is the primary cause for childhood pneumonia and meningitis.

“Approximately ­­­­­­­­­­­­­5.5 lac children will be covered during the current year­­­­­­­­­­. This will not only prevent morbidity associated with pneumonia and meningitis but also avert thousands of deaths due to these diseases annually. The vaccine will be available free-of-cost at all public health institutions and through the State Routine Immunization program,” said Mrs. Navraj Sandhu, Principal Secretary, Health and Medical Education, Government of Haryana.

During the media partnership workshop organized today, Dr. Rakesh Gupta, Mission Director, National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), added, “ the launch of the pentavalent vaccine will help in reducing the number of shots a child receives from 9 to 3. It will also provide logistical conveniences since five vaccines are stored in a single vial and a lot of space will be freed up for storage and transportation. A single auto-disable syringe will be used instead of three per child, thereby substantially reducing the plastic and sharp waste”.

“Children below the age of five years are more vulnerable to diseases and conditions that contribute to fatal consequences leading to increased child mortality. Vaccination is one of the most significant medical interventions preventing such serious diseases. Most diseases contributing to under-five mortality are now preventable using currently available vaccination against them”, said Dr. Satish Gupta, Health Specialist (Immunization), UNICEF.

Welcoming this initiative, Dr. Naveen Gupta, General Secretary, Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), Haryana, and private practitioner said, “The introduction of pentavalent vaccination, which was available in the private sector till date, will now be available free-of-cost for all newborn children in the state. Over the last few years, I have seen steady reduction of pneumonia cases after introduction of the pentavalent vaccine in the private sector”

“We congratulate the Government of Haryana on taking this progressive initiative and including the vaccine in it’s immunization program. The vaccine will now be accessible to all sections of the society, especially those most in need”, added Dr. Pradeep Haldar, Deputy Commissioner, Immunization, Government of India.

The workshop was facilitated by officials and experts from the Government of Haryana, UNICEF, WHO, IAP and Global Health Strategies.  The interactive session was attended by representatives from the regional- national print and electronic media, health department officials and health professionals.

About Pentavalent Vaccine

The pentavalent vaccine aims at providing protection against the five life threatening diseases - Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Hepatitis B and Hib (Haemophilus influenza type b).  The DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus) and Hepatitis B are already part of the national routine immunization programme. Protection against Hib is a new addition. Together, the combination is called pentavalent.

Haemophilus influenza typeB (Hib) is a bacterium that causes severe pneumonia, meningitis and other life-threatening conditions in children less than five years of age. Hib not only endangers a child’s life but also can leave the child with long-term neurological problems such as deafness, brain damage, co-ordination related problems and epilepsy.

 About Pneumonia in India

Pneumonia is one of the largest killers among young children aged one month to five years of age. Of the estimated 1.7 million childhood deaths, pneumonia contributes to nearly 390,000 deaths (20%) per year¹. Pneumonia is caused by bacterial and viral organisms. Appropriate vaccination, exclusive breast-feeding until six months of age, timely identification and treatment are key strategies to reduce mortality and morbidity due to pneumonia.

The National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization in 2009 had recommended that Hib vaccine reduces the high child mortality due to Hib meningitis and pneumonia.