Question : EXPANDED PROGRAMME OF IMMUNIZATION

(a) the number of vaccines covered under the Expanded Programme of Immunization (EPI) and the diseases prevented thereunder;

(b) whether the Government has introduced Hib containing Pentavalent vaccine in certain States;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Government is planning to introduce Hib containing Pentavalent vaccine in all the States/UTs under the EPI, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and

(e) the precautionary measures taken/ proposed by the Government to ensure safety of Pentavalent vaccine, particularly in view of the reported deaths in some countries allegedly due to administration of this vaccine?

THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)

(a): Under the Expanded Programme of Immunization (EPI) 8 vaccines are provided. These vaccines prevent Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus (DPT), Polio, Measles, severe form of Childhood Tuberculosis (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin i.e. BCG), Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis and disease caused by Haempohilus influenzae type b like meningitis, Pneumonia etc.

(b) & (c): Hib containing Pentavalent vaccine has been introduced in the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka and Puducherry.

(d): Certain states like Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and West Bengal have requested Government of India to introduce Pentavalent vaccine under the EPI in their State. Decision will depend on availability of resources.

(e): The “Pentavalent Vaccine” used under EPI is licensed by Drug Controller General of India after examining the safety and efficacy of the vaccine. Further, each batch of vaccine is tested before release to the states. First in house testing by manufacturer and thereafter tested and cleared by Central Drug Laboratory (CDL) Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh. Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) is also monitored and investigated by Districts/State/National AEFI committee to track all kinds of adverse events that may occur following vaccination, whether related or unrelated to ensure safety of Pentavalent vaccine.