| |
This vaccine is important because it protects against
rotavirus, a
virus that can lead to severe diarrhea. Almost all children living
in the United States are infected by this virus by their 5th
birthday but most severe infections occur in children 6 months to 3
years of age.
While most rotavirus infections are mild,
with vomiting and watery diarrhea lasting 3 to 7 days, approximately 1
in 50 infections leads to severe dehydration. It was estimated that
in 2006 the rotavirus caused more than 250,000 emergency room visits
up to 70,000 hospitalizations, and
between 20 to 60 deaths.
Prevention is the key to avoiding rotavirus infection and the most
effective prevention method is to get the rotavirus vaccine.
|
Who should receive the rotavirus vaccine?
All healthy infants should receive the series of rotavirus
vaccine. There are two different vaccines, one that is given
by mouth in three doses (Rotateq®) and one that is given by
mouth in two doses (Rotarix®). In order for the rotavirus vaccine to be fully effective, the
proper number of doses should be given to children when they are the following ages:
- 2 months (as early as 6 weeks)
- 4 months
- 6 months (for only Rotateq)
Infants should have received all doses by the time they are
8 months of age.
Some children should not receive the rotavirus vaccine including:
- Children who have had a severe allergic reaction to any component
of the rotavirus vaccine or a previous dose of the vaccine
- Children who are older than 8 months
Parents of children with a weakened immune system or who recently
have had a blood transfusion or blood product should speak to their
child’s primary health care provider before getting the rotavirus
vaccine.
Review the
vaccination
schedule for those who start late on a vaccine or are more than one
month behind.
|
When did the rotavirus vaccine become available?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) licensed the first
rotavirus
vaccine (RotaShield®) in 1998. Its use was suspended in 1999
because a number of children who were vaccinated developed intussusception, a serious disease where the bowel is blocked.
In 2006, the FDA licensed a new
rotavirus vaccine called RotaTeq®. In a study of more than 70,000
children, the chance of developing intussusception was similar in
children who received RotaTeq® and those who received a placebo.
In 2008, the FDA licensed another rotavirus vaccine called Rotarix®
where again there was the same change of developing intusseption in
children receiving placebo as in those receiving Rotarix®. Both
vaccines are given by mouth, prevent the same amount of infection
and severe disease and are safe.
How does someone become infected with rotavirus?
This highly contagious virus is spread from person-to-person
contact.
How effective is the rotavirus vaccine?
Approximately 98 percent of children who receive either rotavirus vaccine do not
get severe rotavirus diarrhea, and 74 to 79 percent of children do not get
rotavirus diarrhea at all.
Are there any serious side effects of the rotavirus vaccine?
Serious risks from the rotavirus vaccine are quite rare. Mild side
effects may include temporary mild diarrhea or vomiting.
How do I learn more about this vaccine?
The best person to ask about this or any vaccine is your child’s
pediatrician or your primary health care provider. Your provider can
answer your questions and give you more information on the rotavirus
vaccine.
Immunization is the best thing you can do for your child to protect
against rotavirus.
 
|
|
