The 14th International Rotavirus Symposium in Bali, Indonesia brought together over 300 participants from 35 countries to discuss the latest in vaccine manufacturing and results from new rotavirus vaccine trials, studies, and public health surveillance across the globe. The conference also covered enablers and barriers to vaccine introduction; vaccine policy and implementation; advances in immunology and virology; and vaccine efficacy and safety. Staff from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India and JSI Private Limited (JSIPL) participated in the conference, presenting on various topics related to rotavirus vaccine in India.
A key takeaway from the presentations was the growth in vaccine manufacturing in India, which has resulted in the production and distribution of new ‘made in India’ rotavirus vaccine products. The availability of these products in different formulations and presentations has led to updated WHO position papers, and many countries presented studies on their efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and safety. Expanding India’s production and distribution will increase rotavirus vaccine availability for people who previously lacked it.
Access to country research and experience is critical to planning rotavirus vaccine introduction. India’s success with rotavirus vaccine introduction and switch from Rotasiil lyophilized to Rotasiil liquid and from Rotavac to Rotasiil products can inform others. JSIPL’s technical assistance is helping to ensure all preparations are made to ensure the smooth introduction of the rotavirus vaccine and integration into routine immunization services in the 36 states. Overall, the symposium reinforced that vaccine introduction is an opportunity to strengthen the routine immunization system, rather than burden it.
By sharing India’s findings, other countries can plan rotavirus vaccine rollout and implementation. The Technical Support for Rotavirus Vaccine Introduction, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has built the technical capacity of 36 state and UT governments to oversee comprehensive and high-quality vaccine introduction. JSIPL’s posters presented at the event showcased the progress made in digitizing tools for post-introduction evaluation of rotavirus vaccine introduction in India.
With continued growth in vaccine manufacturing and technical support, rotavirus vaccine availability can increase globally, leading to a reduction in rotavirus disease burden worldwide. The 14th International Rotavirus Symposium provided an excellent opportunity for knowledge sharing and collaboration to achieve this goal.
