Bharat Biotech’s Rotavirus vaccine receives ‘Prequalification’ from WHO

Rotavac 5D, a variation of Bharat Biotech International Limited’s Rotavac vaccine, got “Prequalification” from the World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday. Rotavac is a vaccine that prevents rotavirus, a virus that causes severe diarrhoea and vomiting in newborns and children.

“Today’s announcement is an important step to further strengthen and fulfil Bharat Biotech’s vision to address neglected diseases, and prevent infections that continue to affect millions in the developing world,” a statement from Suchitra Ella, the Hyderabad-based pharmaceutical firm’s Joint Managing Director, said.

WHO’s website describes “prequalification” as a “systematic process to determine a manufacturer’s capacity to produce a product of consistent quality in accordance with international standards and specifications laid out by WHO/United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).” The purpose, it says, is to ensure procurement and distribution of good quality products.

Once “prequalified,” vaccines can be procured by organisations such as the United Nations Childrens’ Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO).

Rotavac 5D, which was rolled out in December 2019, has a “unique” vaccine formulation that can be administered without a “buffer,” Bharat Biotech’s statement noted. With a low dosage volume of 0.5 ml, the shot is easier to be stored, and further facilitates easy cold chain management and low biomedical waste disposal after vaccination, the statement noted further.

Bharat Biotech developed Rotavac, a first-generation vaccine, in a partnership with the Government of India’s Department of Biotechnology. 16 other international partners were also involved in the project. In March 2016, India became the first country in Asia to launch an anti-rotavirus vaccine, doing so under the Universal Immunisation Program (UIP).

Medically Speaking Team

Recent Posts

Environmental Toxins and Blood Cancer: The Hidden Link

Environmental toxins, including pesticides, heavy metals, and industrial pollutants, are increasingly being recognized as significant…

4 hours ago

Expired IV Fluids: A Wake-Up Call for Hospital Safety

The recent issue of expired IV fluids being used in healthcare settings has raised alarms…

5 hours ago

Mahakumbh 2025 Tragedy: The Hidden Dangers of Cold Water Immersion

Mahakumbh 2025: A tragic incident occurred at Mahakumbh 2025, where three people, including a sadhu,…

5 hours ago

Sickle Cell Disease: A Growing Health and Social Challenge

Sickle Cell Disease: Sickle Cell Disease is a serious health issue that particularly affects the…

5 hours ago

Kerala’s Baby Bust: A Looming Demographic Crisis

Kerala Is Facing Low Birth rate: Kerala is facing a significant decline in its birth…

5 hours ago

India’s Silent Crisis: 20 Crore Affected by Hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, has become a silent but deadly crisis in India. The…

1 day ago