Impact of Introduction of Rotavirus Vaccination in Universal Immunization Programme on morbidity and mortality pattern of under five children due to Diarrheal Diseases in North 24 Parganas District of West Bengal

Abstract

Background: Rotavirus infection is the leading cause of cause of moderate to severe acute diarrhea in infants worldwide. Morbidity and mortality from this disease can be reduced by age-specific vaccination and other preventive measures like hand washing. Objectives: This study was undertaken to assess the changes in prevalence of episodes of diarrhea at public health facilities at different intervals before and after of Rota virus vaccine introduction in UIP and also to determine the changes in presentation of diarrheal disease. This study also tried to determine the interval of time after which the impact of Rota virus vaccine becomes evident as a public health intervention. Methods: Community based Cross sectional study conducted in 4 rural blocks of North 24 Parganas district. December 2018 to June 2020 was considered as study period. Children with diarrheal disease and on ORS therapy were included as complete enumeration methods. Record review and interview were taken as Study technique. Pre-vaccination is considered diarrheal episodes before month of September 2019 and post vaccination is considered as episodes after month of September 2019. Results: Episodes of hospitalisation were reduced 33%, 8%, 23 % and 19% following 1month, 3month,6month and 9 month post vaccination. Diarrhea with no and some dehydration episodes reduction was 5% and 8 % 9 month post vaccination. Conclusion: Rota Virus vaccination may be treated as one of the most important intervention to reduce morbidity of under 5 children