The rotavirus is a common cause of infant and toddler diarrhea. In the United States, usually the illness is a nuisance often requiring extra holding and comfort, diet changes, and lots of diaper detail for a week or two. However, every year several infants need to be hospitalized in our practice because of rotavirus symptoms. In undeveloped parts of the world, rotavirus accounts for many childhood deaths.

There are two recently released rotavirus immunization series, Rota Teq and Rotarix, that are administered by mouth. The immunizations are given at 2, 4, and 6 months of age, at the same time as other immunizations. Rotavirus immunizations are not given for older children. The immunizations will protect about 90% of babies after three doses.

A few infants experience irritability or low fever for a day after a dose of rotavirus vaccine. These effects are less frequent after the second and third dose. This is a live virus vaccine and as such should not be given to infants who are immune compromised or having persistent diarrhea or vomiting.

A rotavirus vaccine (RotaShield) was first released and used in 1998. Within months of being released it was taken off the market because of a complication called intussusception. Intussusception is a telescoping of the bowel that sometimes needs to be fixed with surgery. Intussusception is not very common, but the incidnece was much higher in babies following the old rotavirus immunization.

At the time of release in February 2006, the recently rotavirus immunizations did not appear to be associated with a higher incidence of intussusception. In February 2007, the FDA issued a statement saying there MAY be an increased incidence of intussusception. Rotavirus vaccine is not required for school entry. Getting the immunization will likely mean fewer childhood illnesses in the first five years of life. Most insurance companies will pay for it. CHDP (VFC) also will cover the cost of the new rotavirus vaccine.

The official Center for Disease Control handout for rotavirus immunization is available through the CDC Vaccine Information Statements site. You should review it before getting the rotavirus vaccine for your baby.

In our office to date, we have decided not to encourage people to immunize their babies against rotavirus. Let us know if you'd like to have your baby immunized against rotavirus.

Ted Humphry, M.D.
822-2441

this information last updated 2/07

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