Some Applause for the Rotavirus Vaccine
With there being so much debate and discussion regarding vaccinations these days, I thought I'd take this opportunity to briefly acknowledge a "new" vaccine and the impact it is already having on a virus that can be quite cruel to children here in the United States and worldwide. Rotavirus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in young children (less than 5 years of age) during the winter (and often into the spring) here in the United States.
The symptoms of vomiting and profuse, watery diarrhea typically last for 3-8 days, often accompanied by fever and abdominal pain. In the United States, 55,000 children each year are hospitalized secondary to the dehydration that follows, and worldwide, over 600,000 children die annually. It has a short incubation, about 2-4 days (exposed on Friday, symptoms by Monday) and because no specific antiviral medications exist, treatment is primarily supportive: intravenous (IV) or oral fluids. So in light of the path of destruction it creates and without a specific treatment measure, the importance of having a safe and effective vaccine appears quite obvious to me.
It appears we now have one (and possibly another soon to follow) that is indeed both safe and effective. In early 2006, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Rotateq, a live oral (by mouth) vaccine and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this past winter season showed significantly decreased numbers of rotavirus cases when compared to the previous two years. In fact, in my office alone, I clearly noted a significant decrease in cases from just the year before and, in fact, no hospitalizations (something that pleasantly surprised me and my colleagues). Now some of you may recall there being another rotavirus vaccine that was withdrawn from the market in 1999 following an increased association with intussusception (an intestinal blockage emergency) but large population based studies to date have not shown this same occurrence with Rotateq.
For more specifics regarding the administration schedule and potential adverse effects I've attached a link to the Merck & Co. website:
http://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/r/rotateq/rotateq_ppi.pdf.
But for those with newborns, I want to remind you all of the dosing schedule as the first of the three doses must be given between 6-12 weeks of age with the second 4-10 weeks later and the third 4-10 weeks after the 2nd dose. Also, the 3rd dose must be given by 32 weeks of age (around 8 months of age). So please discuss with your child's physician if it isn't discussed with you.
Dr. Jeremy
(And please note I have no financial relationship with Merck & Co.)
6
What good news! My 2 years old daughter was sick for three to four weeks. It was tough to go through. I am very happy about the news.
By dorothiec July 21, 2008 7:22am
5
My daughter is 10months old and received this. My family had mixed reactions about it due to so many children with Altisum now days. Some of my friends that I was crazy when I told them my daughter had to drink something and not just shots. Oddly enough, I don't think all doctor's here in Delaware know about it or maybe it is just that my friends doctor was keeping it from her because her daughter never got it. I had mixed feelings on it. I just have that attitude that whatever Gods will is, it will be. Especially since I have CP and am a walking miracle not to mention have a miracle daughter and I am going to do my best by her. By the way, my daughter did fine and had no reaction to the vaccine.
By ProudMommyChrissy July 18, 2008 10:37pm
4
Pammela,
Good to hear from you.
Your son's ped may not have had the vaccine before your son was 12 weeks of age.
By DrJeremy July 18, 2008 9:32am
3
T/U 4 your Very informative article!!! Unforunately,my sons Ped. NEVER even mentioned the vaccine 2 us!!!! Even during ALL of the many,many times we were there during those first 18mths.,receiving Immunizations!!!I actually learned about the vaccine,by overhearing another Mother asking the Nurse about it-& they said it was optional!!Shouldn't EVERY child be required 2 have this?? YES!!! So,I asked more about it,when it was MY turn;and they informed me that it was already Tooo late 2 start my son on it;he was already close to one year old by this time!!WHY in the world was I NOT informed of this???My son was born in 11/05!!Again,what parent would NOT get their kids this shot???!!?Esp. considering the severity of the whole thing!!!!!Thanx again,Doc!!Maybe other parents who aren't told about this vaccine(and the timing that goes along w/ it!!!!),will see this & read it;& get their own child(ren) this vaccine;instead of what happened in my situation!!! Sincerely,Pammela
By LukeysMomma July 18, 2008 6:50am
2
We missed that boat.
I'll keep her in the house until she's five years and a few days old.
I like the idea of an oral vaccine as opposed to a shot. I read in Newsweek some time ago that the 'they' were experimenting with a Rotavirus vaccine that was similar to those Listerine breath strips (which are pretty gross, but easy to melt nonetheless).
Cheers to medical steps in the right direction!
By DLR77 July 18, 2008 12:29am
1
Thank you Dr. Jeremy, this is great news. I work in a preschool with 3-4 year olds, and often they seem to just "break out" with vomiting and diaherrea and it goes on a rampage with their little bodies.
My grandson also had these symptoms when he had just turned five years old, and the little one was so very sick for about ten days straight. Fortunately, he was able to keep enough fluids in him (barely) to keep from becoming dehydrated. However, he did have to make several trips to the doctor, as we were worried he was becoming too dehydrated, as he was so lethargic. I 'guess' what little he was able to keep down, was enough to keep him from entering the hospital, according to the doctor. It was a very frightening incident, however.
I will be sure to pass this information on to the new parents I come in contact with to be sure they are informed.
I appreciate you posting this valuable information.
By SafeNSerene July 17, 2008 8:05pm