Key Highlights:
Karnataka is launching a Hepatitis B immunization campaign among over 56,000 health workers under the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP).
Over 2 lakh doses of vaccine have been procured and distributed to state and district-level health centers.
Key Background:
Karnataka Health Department will be starting a state-level campaign for Hepatitis B vaccination to shield frontline healthcare workers from the viral disease that causes inflammation of the liver. The effort is part of the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP) and has over two lakh doses of the vaccine in its arsenal. The immunization campaign will be administered to around 56,000 medical and paramedical health workers who are occupationally exposed to infecting agents like blood, body fluids, and contaminated equipment or surfaces.
The current circular issued by the State Deputy Director of NVHCP declares the regimen of vaccination as a three-dose intramuscularly administered into the deltoid muscle of the upper arm. The second dose and third dose are to be given one month and six months, respectively, from the first dose. This regular dosing regimen shall be sustained in an attempt to generate long-term immunity among the healthcare professionals, who are predominantly the first line of defense when it comes to fighting infectious diseases.
Bengaluru state warehouse has been also supplied with vaccine doses by central division and they are being transported to drug warehouses at district levels based on regional demand. The vaccines will be supplied at all health levels including sub-centres, primary and community health centres, taluk, and district hospitals and will be vaccinating comprehensive risk staff.
District Tuberculosis Control Officers are also to oversee the logistics of vaccine delivery and administration. There will also be coordination with Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) officers in an attempt to synchronize the roll-out with the routine routine immunisation activities within each district. Notably, routine immunization data will also be reported on the NVHCP/MIS portal to ensure transparency and an effective monitoring system. Vaccination delivery training of health personnel and data reporting will also be started in a few weeks' time, making it even easier to implement.
This focused push places Karnataka squarely in the position of showing commitment to preventive health and brings to center stage the necessity to protect the health workforce of the state—its biggest asset in the battle against infectious disease.