## Rotavirus Vaccine Introduction in UIP **Key Point:** Rotavac, an indigenously developed rotavirus vaccine, was introduced into the Universal Immunisation Programme of India in 2017 as part of the government's commitment to reduce childhood morbidity and mortality from rotavirus gastroenteritis. ### Rotavac: The Indian Rotavirus Vaccine **High-Yield:** Rotavac is a **live attenuated, monovalent rotavirus vaccine** developed by Bharat Biotech and introduced nationally in the UIP in 2017. ### Schedule of Administration | Dose | Age | |------|-----| | Dose 1 | 6 weeks | | Dose 2 | 10 weeks | | Dose 3 | 14 weeks | **Clinical Pearl:** Rotavac is given orally (2 drops) and should be administered before 32 weeks of age. It is contraindicated in infants with a history of intussusception. ### Why Rotavac Over Other Rotavirus Vaccines? - **Cost-effective:** Significantly cheaper than imported vaccines (RotaTeq, Rotarix) - **Indigenous production:** Reduces dependency on imported vaccines - **Efficacy:** Provides 56% protection against rotavirus gastroenteritis of any severity and 70% against severe disease - **Accessibility:** Ensures wider coverage in the Indian population **Mnemonic:** **ROTAVAC** = **Ro**tavirus **Ta**ttenuated **Vac**cine (Indian) **Warning:** Do not confuse Rotavac (monovalent, Indian) with RotaTeq (pentavalent, US) or Rotarix (monovalent, Belgium/UK) — these are different vaccines with different efficacy profiles in different populations.
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