A state-level workshop on introducing Rota Virus Vaccine (RVV) in routine immunization as per Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare GoI was organised on July 27 at DC Conference hall. 

The workshop was organised by the Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Arun Sharma, Director, Family Welfare MCH & Immunization J&K inaugurated. 

Dr. Qazi Haroon, State Immunization/Nodal Officer FW J&K, Dr. Sheema Chaudhary, SHO WHO, Srinagar, and other experts spoke about various aspects of Rota Virus Vaccine.

Dr. Arun Sharma informed that Rotavirus accounts for 40 percent of hospitalization because of diarrhea amongst children. Over 75,000 children die annually because of diarrhea, in India. Rota Virus Vaccine is a new vaccine that is expected to be launched in September this year throughout the state. The vaccine will be introduced in routine immunization as per the recommendation of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Preventive measures and vaccination of infants will prevent spreading of the virus.

Talking briefly about the dosage, storage of Rota Virus Vaccine, he said that state-level workshop is being organised for the first time in Ladakh Division to train the trainers so that the cascade training flows down efficiently for wide awareness for its proper application.

Rotavirus spreads easily among infants and young children. The virus can cause severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. Children who get rotavirus disease can become dehydrated and may need to be hospitalized.

Good hygiene like hand washing and cleanliness are important but  is not enough to control the spread of the disease. Rotavirus vaccine is the best way to protect a child against rotavirus disease. Most children (about 9 out of 10) who get the vaccine will be protected from severe rotavirus disease. Nearly 7 out of 10 children will be protected from rotavirus disease of any severity.

It is given orally to infants in a three-dose schedule at 6, 10 and 14 weeks of age. The vaccine will be co-administered with other vaccines as per the immunization schedule.

Sachin Kumar Vaishya, ADC, Leh,  Dr. Motup Dorjey, Chief Medical Officer, Leh, Dr Manzoor, Deputy CMO, Dr. Tsering Samphel, Medical Superintendent Leh, senior officers/doctors of Health Department of Ladakh Division Leh/Kargil, participated in the workshop.