Rotavirus vaccine
Vaccines & vaccinations guide
The vaccine for Rotavirus was discontinued in the
1990s. An undeniable link between the vaccine and a troublesome condition
called Intussusception in which a portion of the bowel twists or slides
into another portion of the bowel. In 2006, a new vaccine has been granted
FDA approval and will be used regularly this fall.
Rotavirus is an intestinal
virus that causes diarrhea in young children. Rotavirus is more prevalent
in children under the age of six, as proper hand washing is the key to prevention.
Usually the disease is mild and lasts only a few days, no more than a week.
In more severe cases (1 out of every 50), the diarrhea can lead to dehydration
requiring hospitalization. In third world countries, the disease leads to
around 500,000 deaths every year.
Rotavirus spreads easily in daycare and school settings. It can lead to
large numbers of children being forced to stay home sick. This can be costly
to daycares and parents.
The Rotavirus vaccine does not have confirmed doses at this point. As soon
as the vaccine is readily available in a couple of months, the correct dosages
and procedures will be made available to health care officials. There are
no known side effects, but a small risk 0.001% of those vaccinated may develop
Intussusception. |
Rotavirus vaccine
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