Latest news with #UniversalImmunisationProgramme
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Primary Health Centres can be approached for hepatitis B vaccine, says TN govt
With a number of private hospitals continuing to face a shortage of Hepatitis B vaccines, the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine has said that the nearest Primary Health Centre (PHC) can be approached for vaccinating children against hepatitis B as per Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) schedule. Several private hospitals across the State have been facing short supply of hepatitis B vaccines especially for vaccinating their healthcare workers and patients such as those on dialysis. A private hospital in Chennai that administers both pentavalent and hexavalent vaccines containing hepatitis B under UIP currently has adequate stock. The Health department said that there was no shortage of the vaccine in government hospitals. Health Minister Ma. Subramanian recently said that the State had a stock of 6,21,320 doses of the vaccine at present. This was adequate to meet the requirements for 8.5 months. Similarly, 5,52,100 pentavalent vaccines were also available to take care of the needs for the next 2.5 months. T. S. Selvavinayagam, Director of Public Health, reiterated that nearby PHCs can be approached for vaccinating children as per UIP schedule. A doctor, who has been closely following the hepatitis B vaccine situation, said that Hepatitis B vaccination in adults is always challenging. It was being implemented by covering key populations who have been screened and found as hepatitis negative before vaccination, he said. Open Vial Policy for hepatitis B vaccine to prevent wastage is one of the main challenges. This allows usage of an open vial for up to 28 days. 'The vaccine is administered to the targeted groups (among adults) after hepatitis B testing. In fact, the test kits are also in short supply' he said.
India Today
5 days ago
- Health
- India Today
Why RSV prevention for infants is still years away in India
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), a common but potentially serious infection among infants, is emerging as a growing concern in India, especially during the post-monsoon and winter global health agencies such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) have begun recommending maternal RSV vaccination to protect newborns, India is still in the early stages of evaluating and adopting preventive strategies."RSV is one of the leading causes of lower respiratory tract infections in infants and young children globally, and in India too. Studies from Indian tertiary centres show that RSV accounts for 30–50% of bronchiolitis and pneumonia cases in children under two. The highest risk is among infants below six months, those born prematurely or with underlying conditions," said Dr. Shreya Dubey, consultant, neonatology and paediatrics, CK Birla Hospital, Dr. Rahul Sharma, additional director, pulmonology, Fortis Hospital, Noida, echoed this. "An estimated 2–3 million pneumonia cases in India annually are linked to RSV, with many requiring hospitalisation, especially among children under five," he WHO's recent endorsement of RSV vaccination during pregnancy aims to protect newborns through passive India is still reviewing its inclusion in the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP). "Bodies like the Indian Academy of Pediatrics are assessing the vaccine's safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness for Indian settings. If introduced, it may first be rolled out to high-risk groups in private or corporate hospitals,' Dr. Dubey antibodies such as Nirsevimab, which can prevent severe RSV infection with a single dose, have shown promising results. But cost is a major concern. 'Currently, one dose of monoclonal antibody treatment could cost between Rs 50,000 to Rs 1,00,000. Without government subsidies or insurance coverage, it will remain out of reach for many Indian families," said Dr. Dubey stressed the need for differential pricing and public health integration. 'Government partnerships, local manufacturing, and inclusion under public health schemes will be crucial for equitable access," she pharmaceutical giants like Bharat Biotech and the Serum Institute of India have already initiated RSV vaccine research. Collaborations with global pharma companies could also help manufacture monoclonal antibodies locally, significantly lowering costs."India has a strong vaccine manufacturing ecosystem. This positions us to become a regional hub for RSV prevention," Dr. Dubey the timeline for availability remains uncertain. The doctors estimate it may take another 2 to 4 years for widespread access, depending on regulatory clearances and production scale."Maternal vaccines could come earlier in select hospitals. Monoclonal antibody therapies might begin with pilot programs for high-risk groups in the next year or two," added Dr. prevention in India is clearly gaining momentum, with strong clinical evidence and global precedents.'The groundwork is there,' said Dr. Sharma. 'Now it's about making sure the solution is accessible, not just available.'
The Hindu
7 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Many private hospitals in T.N. hit by acute shortage of Hepatitis B vaccine
: Private hospitals across the State have been facing a shortage of Hepatitis B vaccine over the past few months. The fall in supplies has made it difficult for many hospitals to vaccinate adults at risk, especially those on dialysis. Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for infants under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP), and for adults at risk such as healthcare providers and people with compromised immune systems. Inquiries with doctors in a number of districts, including Madurai, Tiruchi, Chennai, Erode, and Theni, revealed that there is a shortage of vaccines in many private centres. A doctor in Madurai said, 'We had reached a point where we were left with very few doses of the vaccine. We could not vaccinate newborn children, but got support from government facilities. We received a supply recently, but the quantity does not meet our demand. There has been an acute shortage of the vaccine for the last seven to eight months, and we are unsure of the reason. We have been continuously raising the issue with the manufacturer almost every week.' Multi-dose vials, which have 10 doses each, are used for healthcare workers since it is cost-effective, whereas, single dose vials are used for patients, she said. 'This is mainly recommended for patients visiting nephrology and oncology departments. Due to acute shortage for a few months, we could not vaccinate them,' she added. Doctors in Erode pointed out the difficulty in vaccinating healthcare workers and patients on dialysis due to limited stock, as well as the increase in the cost of vaccines. A year ago, the Chennai Liver Foundation wrote to the vaccine manufacturing company on the poor supply of vaccines. A little later, vaccines were supplied, prioritising the pentavalent ones meant for UIP, while those for adult usage trickled in now and then, according to Vivekanandan Shanmugam, its managing trustee. 'We wrote to the Government of India and they, in response, acknowledged the short supply. They said vaccines would be supplied prioritising the pentavalent doses, and those for the high-risk population. We are not sure when this issue will be sorted out,' he said. Survey to check availability There is a real shortage, and that is why the foundation has sent a survey form to all practitioners and gastroenterologists across India to assess the availability of the vaccine in their centres, Dr. Vivekanandan says, adding: 'This is a gross problem as vaccination is crucial to prevent liver cancers. The World Health Organisation recommends Hepatitis B testing and vaccination for all adults. But given the situation, we should try to test and vaccinate at least those at high risk such as healthcare workers, child-bearing women considering the risk of transmission from mother to child, immune-compromised persons, and those with co-infections such as HIV.' A government doctor said there was increased dependency on the government sector as private hospitals in tier-2 cities and semi-urban areas were facing the shortage of vaccines. Another government doctor added that while the vaccine was freely available for the UIP, they were using the buffer stock for vaccinating patients such as those on dialysis. T.S. Selvavinayagam, Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, said the government sector faced no challenges with procuring the vaccine. 'We have 6.34 lakh doses. This is mainly for healthcare workers. Considering our monthly requirement of around 81,000 doses, this stock will last seven to eight months. We also have 2.62 lakh doses of pentavalent vaccine, which is part of the UIP. The pentavalent contains Hepatitis B, and we have supplies that will last over 1.5 months,' he said. He added that if there was any issue with the availability of vaccines in the private sector, people could reach out to Primary Health Centres, where vaccination would be provided as per the UIP schedule for free.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
12-06-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
India's HPV vaccine rollout brings cervical cancer prevention closer
Let's be honest—most of us did not grow up hearing about HPV, let alone vaccines for it. So, what exactly is HPV? It stands for human papillomavirus—a highly common infection that, in some cases, can lead to cervical cancer. Sounds serious? It is. With early and universal vaccination and improved awareness, India is on the brink of a major public health milestone—one that could save thousands of lives annually. 'Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of more than 100 related viruses, several of which are known to cause cancer, especially cervical cancer in women. HPV is extremely common and spreads primarily through sexual contact. While most infections are mild and clear up on their own, persistent infection with high-risk HPV types—particularly types 16 and 18—can lead to abnormal cell growth in the cervix, eventually resulting in cancer if untreated,' said Dr Tarjini Tiwari, MD, Sion Hospital, Mumbai. She is a part of an ongoing research on cervical cancer, its causes and prevention. Cervical cancer elimination: India's role in a global mission In 2020, the World Health Assembly set a target to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem, aiming for an incidence rate of fewer than four per 100,000 women by 2030. One of the key goals is to fully vaccinate 90 per cent of girls with the HPV vaccine by age 15. India is among 194 countries that have committed to this global target. Although India has not yet introduced the HPV vaccine in its routine immunisation programme, the government is ramping up capacity-building for frontline workers. The national rollout, currently scheduled for the last quarter of 2025, will depend largely on the success of ongoing localised interventions. Dr Aabid Amin Bhat, medical director, Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals, told Business Standard, 'The government plans to deploy Cervavac, an indigenously developed quadrivalent HPV vaccine, making it affordable and accessible to all sections of society. This initiative will initially target girls aged 9 to 14, with vaccines expected to be delivered through schools and government health centres.' How states are leading HPV vaccination efforts 'Through Mission Indradhanush and the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP), the government is integrating the HPV vaccine into the national schedule. States like Punjab, Sikkim, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have already launched school-based vaccination drives with high coverage, demonstrating the feasibility of large-scale rollout,' Dr Tiwari added. Why HPV vaccination is crucial for India Over 1.2 lakh new cervical cancer cases are reported in India each year One woman dies of cervical cancer every 8 minutes in India India accounts for nearly one-fifth of global cervical cancer deaths HPV vaccination can prevent up to 90% of cervical cancer cases 'The significance of the HPV vaccine cannot be overstated. Over 90 per cent of cervical cancer cases are linked to HPV infection, making vaccination one of the most effective ways to prevent this deadly disease,' said Dr Tiwari. She added, 'The vaccine is most effective when administered before exposure to the virus, which is why it is recommended for girls and boys aged 9–14. Vaccinating boys is also important, as HPV causes cancers of the penis, anus and throat, and boys can spread the virus. The vaccine also protects against genital warts, offering broader health benefits.' Common challenges and persistent myths With an annual birth cohort of around 24 million, each year's delay in vaccine implementation results in approximately 12 million girls ageing out of eligibility. Of these, an estimated 160,000 may develop preventable cervical cancer in their lifetimes. 'Despite its proven benefits, HPV vaccine coverage in India remains low. Key barriers include high private-sector costs (₹2,000 to over ₹10,000 per dose), lack of awareness, vaccine safety misconceptions and limited rural access. Many families are unaware that the vaccine is safe, effective and life-saving,' said Dr Tiwari. Dr Dhivya Sharona, consultant – gynaecology, Rela Hospital, Chennai, added, 'A major misconception is that the vaccine promotes sexual promiscuity or interferes with fertility. While HPV is a sexually transmitted virus, it can also be contracted through partners. The vaccine is preventive and should be administered before the onset of sexual activity.' She stressed that parents should know the HPV vaccine is not linked to promoting early sexual behaviour. Side effects are usually mild, such as soreness or mild fever. HPV vaccine cost: public vs private access Gardasil 4 by Merck Sharpe & Dohme (₹4,000 per dose) Gardasil 9 by MSD (₹11,000 per dose) Cervavac by Serum Institute of India (₹2,000 per dose) In private hospitals, a full course can cost between ₹4,000 and ₹30,000, depending on the vaccine and number of doses. Under government programmes, Cervavac is available for free or at a nominal cost (₹0–₹400 per dose), greatly improving access for families who could not afford private vaccination. Pilot programmes show promise Early pilot projects in states like Sikkim, Punjab and Assam have demonstrated high uptake when vaccines were administered through school-based programmes and supported by community outreach. 'Sikkim was the first state to implement the programme successfully. The HPV vaccine was provided to school children, both girls and boys, using a two-dose schedule. This approach simplifies logistics, generates stronger immune response, fosters herd immunity and protects against other HPV-related cancers such as anal, penile, vulval, vaginal and oropharyngeal cancers,' said Dr Sharona. Dr Bhat added, 'The national strategy will involve coordination between the ministries of health, education and women and child development, as well as training frontline health workers and launching IEC (Information, Education and Communication) campaigns to fight misinformation.' What Indian parents need to know Is it safe? Yes. Cervavac is manufactured in India by the Serum Institute and approved by Indian regulatory authorities. It is already in use globally. How many doses? As per WHO guidelines, a single dose is now considered effective for the 9–14 age group. A second dose may be advised by doctors in certain cases. Where is it available? Initially through government schools and health centres. Parents can also consult their paediatrician for private availability. Can adults get vaccinated? Sexually active adults, both men and women, can benefit from the HPV vaccine. Women under 45 are encouraged to get vaccinated and screened regularly. Looking ahead: a cervical cancer-free future India's HPV vaccine rollout is a landmark public health move with the potential to eliminate cervical cancer within a generation. But success hinges on more than policy—it depends on parental awareness, social acceptance and sustained access. Protecting future generations starts now, and it starts at home.
Time of India
03-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
DC orders health centres to ensure essential medicines are in stock in Mandya
Mandya: Deputy commissioner Kumara has directed the heads of primary health centres (PHCs) and community health centres (CHCs) across the district to ensure the uninterrupted availability of essential medicines, including injections, to treat snakebite and dog bite cases. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now During a review meeting at the DC's office, Kumara highlighted the recent tragic death of a girl who was en route Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS) for treatment following a dog bite. He stated that the incident could have been avoided if timely medical care was provided at Maddur taluk hospital. Emphasising the importance of preparedness, Kumara said that life-saving medicines must be readily available at all health centres. To enforce this, nodal officers are appointed in every taluk. These officers are tasked with conducting regular inspections of health facilities under their jurisdiction and submitting detailed reports. "Doctors now have access to real-time stock information through mobile apps. We must utilise technology effectively," Kumara said, urging medical staff to work with compassion and prioritise human life. With the onset of monsoon, Kumara also warned of an increased risk of vector-borne diseases such as dengue, malaria, and chikungunya, and called for intensified awareness campaigns, especially at construction sites where stagnant water is common. The district reported one positive Covid case. The patient is currently under home isolation. SARI cases are also being tested at MIMS, and Kumara instructed that similar tests be extended to SARI patients in private hospitals. Kumara also reviewed progress under the district's Non-Communicable Disease screening programmes, which focus on early detection of diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. He stressed the need for follow-up data to ensure that identified patients are receiving proper treatment. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now More outreach programmes are to be organised in high-risk areas. Noting a rise in heart attack-related deaths in the district, Kumara instructed health officials to conduct age-wise surveys and submit detailed reports. He also called for data on the number of patients being screened under the heart disease control programme and those referred for specialist care. Universal Immunisation Programme and maternal mortality reports were also reviewed. District panchayat deputy secretary-2 T Lakshmi, district health and family welfare officer Dr K Mohan, RCH officer Dr KP Ashwath, district survey officer Dr Kumar, leprosy eradication officer Dr Somashekhar, and district AIDS control officer Dr MN Ashalatha were also present.
