HAVISURE VACCINE - SCI & TECH

News: India's first indigenously developed Hepatitis A vaccine launched in Hyderabad

 

What's in the news?

       Recently, Indian Immunologicals Ltd (IIL), a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), has launched India’s first domestically developed Hepatitis A vaccine, named ‘Havisure.’

 

Havisure Vaccine:

       It is India’s first indigenously developed vaccine for Hepatitis A.

 

Dosage:     

       It is a two-dose vaccine.

       The first dose given to those above 12 months of age and the second dose is administered at least six months later.

 

Eligibility for Vaccine:

       The vaccine is advised for routine immunization in children and individuals at risk due to exposure or travel to regions with high hepatitis A prevalence.

       Additionally, individuals with occupational infection risks and those suffering from chronic livler diseases can also receive Hepatitis A vaccination.

 

Significance:       

       This vaccine is expected to play a significant role in preventing Hepatitis A.

       Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection transmitted through contaminated food or water.

 

Go back to basics:

Hepatitis A:

       It is a viral infection that primarily causes inflammation of the liver.

       It can be an acute (short-term) infection or a chronic (long-term) infection.

 

Transmission:

       It is transmitted through the consumption of contaminated food or water or through close contact with an infected person.

 

Symptoms:

       The symptoms include fever, fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).

 

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.