Rotavirus Vaccines Found Very Protective

A new study published by the JAMA Pediatrics on May 10, 2021, found the high protection and low risk of serious adverse events for rotavirus vaccines in children who were fully vaccinated emphasized the importance of worldwide rotavirus vaccinations.

This study's findings from a meta-analysis revealed that Rotarix and RotaTeq vaccinations reduced rotavirus gastroenteritis (RVGE) in children younger than 5 years by 68.4% and 63.6%, respectively, and this was confirmed in case-control studies (65.3% and 72.8%, respectively).

An adjusted indirect comparison indicated no significant differences in the protection of Rotarix and RotaTeq. Other rotavirus vaccines, including Rotavac, Rotasiil, and Lanzhou lamb rotavirus vaccine, also showed positive associations with reduced RVGE risk.

Furthermore, all rotavirus vaccines demonstrated no risk of serious adverse events in this analysis.

The U.S. CDC states rotavirus commonly causes severe, watery diarrhea and vomiting in infants and young children. Each year, the vaccine prevents an estimated 50,000 hospitalizations among U.S. infants and young children. The first oral dose should be given before a child is 15 weeks of age. And children should receive all doses of rotavirus vaccine before they turn 8 months old.'