Rotavirus vaccine is a vaccine used to protect against rotavirus infections, which are the leading cause of severe diarrhea among young children. The vaccines prevent 15–34% of severe diarrhea in the developing world and 37–96% of severe diarrhea in the developed world. The vaccines decrease the risk of death among young children due to diarrhea. Immunizing babies decreases rates of disease among older people and those who have not been immunized.The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that rotavirus vaccine be included in national routine vaccinations programs, especially in areas where the disease is common. This should be done along with promoting breastfeeding, handwashing, clean water, and good sanitation. It is given by mouth and requires two or three doses. It should be given starting around six weeks of age.The vaccines are safe. This includes their use in people with HIV/AIDS. The vaccines are made from weakened rotavirus.The vaccine first became available in the United States in 2006. It is on the World Health Organizations List of Essential Medicines. As of 2013, there are two types of vaccine available globally, Rotarix and RotaTeq. Others are used in some countries. Medical uses
Effectiveness
A 2009 review estimated that vaccination against rotavirus would prevent about 45% of deaths due to rotavirus gastroenteritis, or about 228,000 deaths annually worldwide.
Temporary suspension in the US
On March 22, 2010, the detection of DNA from porcine circovirus types 1 and 2 within RotaTeq and Rotarix prompted the FDA to suspend the use of rotavirus vaccines while conducting an investigation the finding of DNA from porcine circovirus-1 (PCV1) in the vaccine in collaboration with the 12 members of the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC). On May 6, 2010, the FDA announced its decision to revoke the suspension, stating that porcine circovirus types 1 and 2 pose no safety risks in humans and concluded that health risks involved did not offset the benefits of the vaccination. In May 2010 the suspension of the Rotarix vaccine was lifted. Research
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) developed a heat-stable version named BRV-PV. Phase 3 of the clinical trials were completed in Niger on December 31, 2020.The vaccine has been associated with lower rates of type 1 diabetes. References
Further reading
Cortese MM, Parashar UD (February 2009). "Prevention of rotavirus gastroenteritis among infants and children: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)" (PDF). MMWR Recomm Rep. 58 (RR-2): 1–25. PMID 19194371. External links
"Rotavirus Vaccine Information Statement". U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 2019-10-25. Rotavirus, Vaccine Resource Library
Rotavirus ROTA Council
Rotavirus Vaccines at the US National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)