Rotavirus vaccine

The rotavirus vaccine is a vaccine used to protect against rotavirus infections, which are the leading cause of severe diarrhea among young children. The vaccines are safe and effective, and they have significantly reduced the incidence of rotavirus-related hospitalizations and deaths worldwide.

History

The first rotavirus vaccine, RotaShield, was licensed in the United States in 1998 but was withdrawn from the market in 1999 due to an increased risk of intussusception, a type of bowel obstruction. Subsequent vaccines, including Rotarix and RotaTeq, were developed and have been shown to be safe and effective.

Types of Rotavirus Vaccines

There are two main types of rotavirus vaccines currently in use:

• Rotarix: A monovalent vaccine derived from a human rotavirus strain. It is administered in two doses, typically at 2 and 4 months of age.
• RotaTeq: A pentavalent vaccine that contains five rotavirus strains. It is administered in three doses, typically at 2, 4, and 6 months of age.

Mechanism of Action

Rotavirus vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against rotavirus. This helps prevent future infections by the virus. The vaccines are administered orally, which mimics the natural infection route of the virus and helps induce mucosal immunity in the gut.

Efficacy

Clinical trials and real-world studies have shown that rotavirus vaccines are highly effective in preventing severe rotavirus gastroenteritis. The vaccines have been shown to reduce hospitalizations due to rotavirus by 85-90% in countries where they are routinely used.

Safety

Rotavirus vaccines are generally well-tolerated. The most common side effects are mild and include irritability, mild diarrhea, and vomiting. The risk of intussusception is very low, and the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks.

Global Impact

The introduction of rotavirus vaccines has had a significant impact on global child health. In countries with high vaccine coverage, there has been a dramatic reduction in rotavirus-related hospitalizations and deaths. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that rotavirus vaccines be included in all national immunization programs.

Also see

• Rotavirus
• Gastroenteritis
• Vaccination
• World Health Organization