Rotavirus (RV) Vaccine

Rotavirus earned its name because it looks like a tiny wheel when seen under a microscope. Just like a wheel spins, this virus keeps going around, causing a serious stomach illness called acute gastroenteritis. It leads to symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting, especially in babies and young kids. Luckily, two vaccines for rotavirus can keep children safe from this illness.

How serious is the threat posed by rotavirus?

Before the rotavirus vaccine, this infection caused a big problem. In the U.S., it led to about 200,000 trips to the emergency room, 55,000 hospital stays, and around 60 to 65 deaths each year. Globally, it’s the top cause of serious diarrhea in young kids, leading to over 2 million hospital visits and more than 500,000 deaths in children under 5 every year. Older kids and adults can get it too, but it’s usually not as bad.

Rotavirus spreads easily because it’s highly contagious. The virus lives in the poop of infected people and can survive on surfaces like hands for a long time. Kids get it by touching something with the virus and then putting their hands in their mouths. It’s a big issue in places like hospitals and daycares where it can easily pass from one child to another. Daycare workers can spread it too, especially if they don’t wash their hands well after changing diapers.

Symptoms of rotavirus infection can stick around for up to eight days and include things like fever, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and lots of watery diarrhea. When it’s really bad, the diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which is what causes hospital stays and even deaths from this illness.

Administration of Rotaravirus

There are two types of rotavirus vaccines available: RotaTeq (RV5) and Rotarix (RV1). Unlike most vaccines that are given through a shot, these ones are given orally, which means your child drinks them.

The main difference between the two is how many doses they need. RotaTeq requires three doses, which should be given when your baby is 2 months old, 4 months old, and 6 months old. Rotarix, on the other hand, only needs two doses, given at 2 months and 4 months.

Experts like the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend giving the rotavirus vaccine at the same time as other vaccines your child might need, and including it in the regular vaccines your baby gets.

How Effective is Rotavirus

The rotavirus vaccine is quite effective. Studies have shown that it can prevent about 74% of rotavirus infections. But what’s important is that it can stop almost 98% of severe infections and around 96% of hospitalizations caused by rotavirus.For instance, in one Massachusetts hospital, the vaccine introduction led to a drop in rotavirus cases from 65 to just three over two years.

How safe is the Vaccine

Before its approval, researchers tested the rotavirus vaccine on over 70,000 kids and confirmed its safety. However, an older version of the vaccine, known as RotaShield, was withdrawn from the market due to its slight elevation of the risk of a condition called intussusception, which can lead to intestinal blockage.

But the newer vaccines, RotaTeq and Rotarix, don’t seem to increase this risk and are considered safe.

Now, some kids shouldn’t get the rotavirus vaccine. If a child had a severe allergic reaction to it before, they shouldn’t get it again. Also, if a baby is sick when the vaccination is scheduled, it’s best to wait until they’re better. And if a child’s immune system is weak like if they have HIV/AIDS or are on long-term steroids, it’s good to check with a doctor before giving them the vaccine.

Side Effects of Rotavirus

Like with any vaccine, there’s a small chance of a serious allergic reaction with the rotavirus vaccine. Signs of this might include difficulty breathing, wheezing, hives, paleness, or a fast heartbeat. But it’s important to know that the risk of a serious reaction with this vaccine is very low.

For most children, getting the rotavirus vaccine is smooth sailing. But there’s a small chance your child might have some mild, temporary effects after the vaccine, like being more irritable, having diarrhea, or vomiting. These usually go away on their own without any lasting problems.