Rotavirus Vaccine 

Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe gastroenteritis in infants and toddlers. The AAP reports that nearly all children in the US will have been infected by rotavirus by the time they are 5 years old. Severe rotavirus gastroenteritis is primarily found in children age 3 months to 3 years. The CDC reports that each year in the US, rotavirus is responsible for about:

• 410,000 physician visits

• 205,000 to 272,000 emergency department visits
• 55,000 to 70,000 hospitalizations

RotaTeq. RotaTeq is a new rotavirus vaccine, licensed by the FDA for use in infants. Studies indicate that administering three doses of RotaTeq vaccine to infants 6- 32 weeks old prevents:

Infant vaccination can prevent:

• 74% of all cases of rotavirus

• 98% of the most serious rotavirus infections

• 74% of all cases of rotavirus

• 98% of the most serious rotavirus infections

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends routine immunization, using 3 doses of RotaTeq given orally at 2, 4, and 6 months of age. 

Infants must receive the first dose at between 6 and 12 weeks of age, Doses are given at 4-10 week intervals, and all three doses should be given before the infant is 32 weeks old.

Intususception. In February 2007 the FDA notified health care providers and consumers about reports of intussusception following administration of RotaTeq. It is not known whether these incidents are vaccine-related; CDC unpublished data show that the number of cases reported to date does not exceed the number expected based on background rates.

The AAP continues to recommend the routine use of RotaTeq. Providers should talk with parents about risks and benefits, and ask them to contact the provider immediately if their child shows signs of intussusception. Symptoms of intussusception, which can appear several weeks after vaccination with RotaTeq, are:

• Blood in stool

• Change in bowel movements
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting