Context:

Recently, Indian Immunologicals Ltd (IIL), a subsidiary of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), launched of the pediatric dose of India's first indigenously developed Hepatitis A vaccine, Havisure (0.5 ml).

More on the News:

• Its aims to benefit the most vulnerable sections of society, especially children.
• Havisure will be available in two doses: 0.5 ml for children and 1 ml for adults. 
• It aligns with the "Make in India" initiative and supports a healthier future for children.
• IIL is now the only company in India to develop an indigenous Hepatitis A vaccine.

About Havisure: 

• The Havisure vaccine is priced at ₹2,150 per dose and is administered in a two-dose schedule. 
• The first dose is given to individuals above 12 months of age, followed by a second dose at least six months later. 
• This schedule is crucial for establishing effective immunity against Hepatitis A.
• The vaccine is comparable to leading global vaccines, such as GSK's Havrix. 

Hepatitis A

• It is an inflammation of the liver that can cause mild to severe illness.
• It can be an acute (short-term) infection or a chronic (long-term) infection.
• Transmission– The hepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food and water or direct contact with an infectious person.
• Geographical Distribution: It is common in low- and middle-income countries.
• Symptoms: fever, malaise, loss of appetite, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark-colored urine and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) and incubation period; 14–28 days.
• Treatment: As per WHO there is no specific treatment for hepatitis A. Recovery from symptoms following infection may be slow and can take several weeks or months.
• Prevention: Improved sanitation, food safety and immunization.

Eligiblility for the Vaccine:

• Havisure is recommended for various groups, including children as part of routine immunization, individuals traveling to areas with high Hepatitis A prevalence, and those with occupational risks or chronic liver diseases. 

India’s Initiatives to Tackle Hepatitis:

National Viral Hepatitis Control Program: The aim of the program is to combat hepatitis and achieve countrywide elimination of Hepatitis C by 2030.

• Reduce the risk, morbidity and mortality due to Hepatitis A and E.
• Achieve significant reduction in the infected population, morbidity and mortality associated with Hepatitis B and C 

India’s Universal Immunization Programme (UIP): Hepatitis B is included in India’s UIP which provides free-of-cost vaccination to children against 12 life-threatening diseases including Hepatits.

• The UIP provides free vaccines to 26 million children annually. 
• The Government of India also has an Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network (eVIN) that tracks the storage and logistics of vaccines at all levels.