Introduction to Disease

Rotavirus infection is one of the main causes of gastroenteritis in young children aged 5 years or younger. Such virus can trigger vomiting, diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, anorexia, and even dehydration. In developed countries, rotaviral gastroenteritis rarely causes death but could lead to hospitalized treatment due to severe diarrhea. 

Introduction to Vaccine

Rotavirus vaccination can effectively prevent rotaviral gastroenteritis and alleviates the post-infection course of disease, thereby substantially reduces the number of medical visits and probability of hospitalization in children. Currently, there are two domestic brands of rotavirus vaccines released (namely 2-dose and 3-dose schedule). Both brands are administered as oral vaccines. The earliest vaccination age for the first dose is 6 weeks after birth while the shortest vaccination interval is 4 weeks between doses.

• Recommended Vaccination Schedule:
  • In 2 months and 4 months after birth for the 2-dose schedule (with the last dose to be vaccinated no later than 24 weeks after birth).
  • In 2 months, 4 months and 6 months after birth for the 3-dose schedule (with the last dose to be vaccinated no later than 32 weeks after birth).

Prohibitions for Vaccination

• Those who have had severe allergy reactions from the previous vaccination or any substance of the vaccine.
• Patients of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID).
• Patients with medical history of intussusception or gastrointestinal anomalies (such as Meckls diverticulum) without surgical correction.

Precautions

• Patients with acute and severe fever should wait for the stabilization of illness condition before vaccination.
• Those with diarrhea or vomiting symptoms should delayed for vaccination.
• Immunocompromised infants should be carefully evaluated for effectiveness and risks before determining the vaccination accordingly. 

Possible Reactions after Vaccination

• Common adverse reaction is diarrhea.