Indian J Med Res
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Vaccination is one of the most successful and cost-effective interventions designed by science which has helped in preventing millions of deaths, especially in children. The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) was established by World Health Organization (WHO) in 1974 to develop immunization programmes throughout the world with polio, measles, diphtheria, tetanus, tuberculosis and whooping cough. ⋯ The story of vaccines in South-East Asia is a testament to scientific progress, global collaboration, and unwavering commitment to public health. This article aims to discuss the journey of EPI in the WHO SEAR.
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Background & objectives The expanded programme on immunization launched in India in 1978, with its focus on preventing six diseases in children (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, poliomyelitis, typhoid, and childhood tuberculosis), was widened in its scope in 1985-86. This new avtaar, the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), incorporated measles vaccine for children and rubella and adult diphtheria vaccines for pregnant women. We conducted this rapid review on adult immunization relevant for India, as recent COVID-19 experience revealed how newly emergent or re-emergent pathogens could have their onslaughts on the elderly and adults with comorbidities. ⋯ Both qualitative and quantitative investigations explored vaccine hesitancy, which was studied more during the COVID-19 pandemic than earlier. Interpretation & conclusions Vaccination programmes in India would require (i) increasing awareness around vaccine-preventable diseases among adults and HCWs; (ii) actively engaging health care systems and community-based organizations; and (iii) developing and producing affordable, safe, and country-appropriate vaccines. Effective communication strategies and tools will be the key to the success of such interventions.
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Review Meta Analysis
Efficacy of leprosy vaccines across the globe: A systematic review & meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Background & objectives Although multi-drug therapy has decreased the burden of disease, leprosy is yet to be eliminated. Accelerating progress requires optimal use of existing tools, advanced diagnostic tests, newer drugs, and vaccines. The search for a vaccine with therapeutic and preventive potential is ongoing, but evidence on effectiveness and safety is lacking. ⋯ In subgroup analysis among the eight prophylactic vaccine studies, pooled relative risk was found to be 0.61 (95% CI: 0.41 - 0.91). Interpretation & conclusions The findings of this meta-analysis suggest that both prophylactic and therapeutic leprosy vaccines were significantly better compared to the placebo. Leprosy vaccine in the form of Mw/Mycobacterium welchii/MIP along with combination of World Health Organization (WHO) multi-drug therapy (MDT) or Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine along with second line treatment with rifampicin were found to be protective among the recipients.
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Background & objectives The COVID-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented global immunization efforts, with drive-through vaccination campaigns established to expedite and ensure safe coverage. However, research on immediate adverse events following immunization (AEFI) in these settings is limited. This study aims to evaluate the frequency and characteristics of immediate AEFI during drive-through COVID-19 vaccination campaigns in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, using the Sinovac/CoronaVac vaccine Methods This cross-sectional study utilized secondary data from the local vaccine registry managed by the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia, from July 27 to September 6, 2021. ⋯ Systemic adverse events (92%) were more common than local events (6.3%), with dizziness (77.2%) being most prevalent. Interpretation & conclusions The findings of this study suggest that immediate AEFI occurred rarely in the drive-through vaccination setting, indicating that this method appears safe and efficient for COVID-19 vaccinations, particularly in the context of immediate AEFI. Most adverse events were mild, underscoring the importance of preparedness and close monitoring in drive-through vaccination campaign sites to ensure patient safety and enhance vaccine confidence.
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Tuberculosis continues to be among the leading causes of morbidity as well as mortality. It is appreciated that our aim of eliminating TB in the foreseeable future will not be realized until we have a new vaccine with significant efficacy among diverse populations and all age-groups. Although impressive strides have been made in more refined development of new TB vaccines based on learnings from past experiences, the substitute or a booster vaccine for the BCG vaccine is not available yet. This article puts in perspective the recent efforts in re-positioning BCG, development of newer vaccines based on novel approaches, the current TB vaccine pipeline, yet unmet challenges in vaccine development, exploring newer ideas in vaccine development and what the future holds.