According to the Rotavirus Vaccine Program, more than 500,000 children throughout the world die each year because of complications from the rotavirus. An estimated 111 million cases are believed to occur each year throughout the world, with 25 million doctor visits and 2 million hospitalizations required because of the virus. To combat these infections, vaccines have been produced to help build immunity to the virus at an early age.
Types
There are two main types of vaccines available for the rotavirus. The first, RotaTeq, was approved by the FDA in 2006 and requires three doses, given orally, three months apart. In 2008, the FDA approved a second vaccine called Rotarix. This vaccine requires only two doses and is also given orally. These vaccines are only for children between the ages of 2 and 24 months.
Immunity
The biggest advantage of the rotavirus vaccine is the protection it affords your child against the disease. Once introduced to the body, the rotavirus vaccine causes the body to react by producing antibodies against the disease, resulting in immunity in most children. Immunity protects your child from the dangerous diarrhea and stomach discomfort that the rotavirus can cause. The rotavirus causes severe dehydration, which in some cases can leave your child hospitalized, and even death. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) cases of the rotavirus hospitalize an estimated 55,000 children in the United States each year.
Intussusception
One of the most talked about cons of the rotavirus vaccine is the potential for the development of intussusception. Intussusception occurs when the intestines fold over onto themselves, causing a blockage of the bowels. One of the first vaccines, called RotaShield, was removed from the market in 1999 because of association with the development of intussusception. According to the Mayo Clinic, neither Rotarix nor RotaTeq increases the chances of your child developing intussusception.
Live Virus
One disadvantage of the rotavirus vaccines are that they are live vaccines. This means that the oral vaccine contains a weakened live strain of the virus. Because the virus is still alive, it has the potential of causing mild symptoms of the disease while the body creates an immunity to the virus. Children who get the vaccine should be watched closely for signs of diarrhea and treated accordingly.
Immune System
Another disadvantage of the vaccine is that it cannot be used on children with compromised immune systems. This includes children with HIV/AIDS or blood diseases such as leukemia. The vaccine is also not for the use on children who have had a recent blood transfusion or surgery or who are fighting a stomach bug or case of diarrhea.
Allergic Reaction
As with any vaccine, both Rotarix and RotaTeq run the risk of your child having an allergic reaction to the rotavirus vaccine. Any change in your child's health should be monitored and reported to your doctor to ensure the safety of your child while receiving doses of the vaccine.
