Pune, August 10: SERUM Institute of India has announced the launch of its indigenously manufactured low cost hameophilus influenza type b conjugate vaccine under the brand name ‘HibPRO’ in the country. HibPRO has been procured at an MRP of Rs 375 for a monodose vial.

According to Dr Cyrus Poonawalla, chairman, Serum Institute of India, HibPRO has undergone a series of clinical trials to prove its efficacy and safety in comparison with the commercially available Hib conjugate vaccine. With the launch of HibPRO, the institute can extend the benefits of pentavalent or quadravalent vaccines at a very affordable price.

These benefits include fewer numbers of injections, lesser pain to the child and protection against multiple diseases such as haemophilus influenza type b, hepatitis-B, diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus in one injection. Haemophilus influenza causes infections that are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in young children spreading through droplets. Children below five years of age are at the highest risk. Every year globally around three to five lakh children die due to H influenza type b disease. Hib vaccines are safe and highly effective.