ROTA VIRUS VACCINE,Why our children need it

In low socioeconomic countries. Rotavirus is the main cause of diarrhea in up to 80% of babies less than 1 year.In India upto 87% of diarrhea requiring hospitalization is caused by Rota virus ,of which one-third is severe.Rota virus vaccine helps prevent childhood mortality and morbidity to severe dehydrating diarrhea caused by Rota virus.

Under such a situation giving the Rota virus vaccine  appears to be the best way to protect our children from a highly preventable disease which can cause severe dehydration and its associated complications in babies less than one year age.

Rota virus vaccine. :types

2 variety of live attenuated oral  vaccine available

• Rotarix (RV1) :2 doses
• Rota Teq (RV 5): 3dose

 

When to give. Rota virus vaccine ?

Routine vaccination best practices dictate :

• Minimum age 6 weeks for both types.
• Rotarix , 2 doses at 10 weeks and 14 weeks.
• Rota Teq, 3 doses at 6, 10 and 14 weeks?
• In case type of vaccine not known for any dose in the schedule , a total of 3 doses may have to be given.

For Delayed vaccination schedule:

Maximum age of 1st dose of vaccine schedule: 14 weeks, 6 days.

Maximum age of last dose 8months preferably within 6months.

No Rota virus vaccine to be given if:

• History of severe allergic reaction to any previous dose of Rota virus vaccine.
• History of severe allergy to latex- Rotarix cannot be given, Rota Teq may be given.
• Past history of severe bowel obstruction known ad intussusception.
• Baby is sick with high fever, or recent history of diarrhoea ,and/ or vomiting.

POST vaccination ..what to do

• Child can be fed normally .
• In case of fever, diarrhoea, irritability ….contact your doctor.

As  it is a live vaccine  child may shed the virus and hence proper hand washing during diaper changes  is important( like. always ) and  try to  avoid contact  of baby with anyone with  a decreased immunity.

In India upto 2,000,000  outpatient visits and upto 1.5 lakh deaths  occur due to Rota virus diarrhoea in less than 5 year old children.

Prevention in this case, like  always is definitely better than cure.We owe our children a happy healthy life and anything which helps us achieve this  goal is what all parents want.

So for all new parents with infants less than 15 weeks age , who are not yet protected from this highly  preventable , but deadly disease should not delay.Take care and take charge.

Disclaimer :Kindly consult your doctor for all health and vaccine related decisions.This is strictly for general awareness. Read full disclaimer here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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