Is it Right Time to Introduce Mumps Vaccine in Indias Universal Immunization Program?

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Vaccinology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Measles, mumps, and rubella are vaccine-preventable diseases with significant morbidity and mortality in India.
• While measles receives attention, mumps and rubella remain under-recognized public health issues.
• The World Health Organization recommends a two-dose mumps vaccine strategy for near-elimination, but India has not yet adopted it.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing data on mumps in India, including sero-prevalence, vaccine efficacy, outbreaks, and genetic studies.
• To highlight the public health significance of mumps in India.
• To evaluate the potential benefits of including the mumps vaccine in the Universal Immunization Program.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive review of sero-prevalence studies.
• Analysis of vaccine efficacy and safety data.
• Examination of outbreak investigation reports, virus isolation, and genotyping studies.

Main Results:

• Mumps is identified as a significant public health problem in India.
• Lack of surveillance and documentation systems contributes to mumps being overlooked.
• Evidence suggests potential benefits of mumps vaccination outweighing economic costs.

Conclusions:

• Mumps represents a substantial, yet under-addressed, public health challenge in India.
• Integration of the mumps vaccine into the Universal Immunization Program is recommended.
• Vaccination can mitigate disease burden, offering long-term economic advantages.