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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 three to seven days, approximately one in 50 infections
leads to severe dehydration. It was estimated in 2006, before there
was a vaccine, that rotavirus
causes more than 250,000 emergency room visits, up to 50,000
hospitalizations, and between 20 to 60 deaths in the U.S.
Prevention is the key to avoiding
rotavirus infection, and the most effective prevention method is
giving the rotavirus vaccine.
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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 a 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.
Who should not receive the
rotavirus vaccine?
-
Infants younger than 6
weeks of age
-
Children older than 8
months
-
Children who have had a
severe allergic reaction to any component of the
rotavirus vaccine or a previous dose of the vaccine
-
Children with a weakened
immune system
Parents 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.
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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®. Again there
was the same chance of developing intusseption in children receving
placebo as in those receiving Rotarix®. Both vaccines are given by
mouth, prevent the same amount of infection and severe disease, and
are safe.
When was Rotarix® immunization
temporarily stopped?
In March 2010, The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported
that one of the two rotavirus vaccines, Rotarix®, made by
GlaxoSmithKline, was found to have pieces of non-harmful porcine
(pig) circovirus in it. Neither pigs nor humans get sick from this
virus. However, the FDA asked that healthcare providers temporarily
stop using Rotarix® in infants so they could investigate the
finding. There are no identified safety concerns for already
vaccinated infants.
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 this 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 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.
 
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