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Recently, Hyderabad-based Indian Immunologicals Ltd (IIL) has launched India’s first indigenously developed Hepatitis A vaccine Havisure®

IIL Launches ‘first’ Indigenously Developed Hepatitis A Vaccine

• Indian Immunologicals Ltd (IIL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).
  • NDDB was founded in 1965 for transforming dairying into an instrument for the development of India’s rural people.

About Hepatitis A vaccine Havisure®

• Prescription: It is a two-dose vaccine wherein the first dose is administered at above 12 months of age and the second dose is given at least after 6 months of the first dose. 
• It is recommended for children in routine immunization as well as for individuals at risk of exposure or travel to the regions with high hepatitis A prevalence.
• Significance of the Vaccine: 
  • Reduced Import Dependency: Currently, Hepatitis A vaccines are imported into our country, with its launch import dependency will reduce.

About Hepatitis A

• Viral Disease: It is a highly contagious liver infection caused by a virus. 
• Transmission: The hepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food and water or through direct contact with an infectious person.
• Geographical Distribution: It is common in low- and middle-income countries.
• Symptoms: Fever, abdominal discomfort, dark-coloured urine and jaundice. 
• Prevention: Improved sanitation, food safety and immunization.

Government Initiatives to tackle Hepatitis

• National Viral Hepatitis Control Program: Aims to end viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030.
• India’s Universal Immunization Programme (UIP): Hepatitis B is included under India’s UIP which provides free of cost vaccination.

Also Read: 

• First Human Trials For Nipah Virus Vaccine
• World’s First Vaccine For Chikungunya Approved
• GEMCOVACOM: India’s First MRNA Vaccine

News Source: Deccan Herald