RotaTeq Rotavirus Vaccine

RotaTeq was approved by the FDA on February 3, 2006.

RotaTeq prevents severe cases of rotavirus gastroenteritis caused by different serotypes of rotavirus. In research studies, RotaTeq prevented 74 percent of all cases of rotavirus gastroenteritis, 98 percent of severe cases, and 96 percent of hospitalizations.

Rotavirus is a common cause of vomiting and diarrhea in children and often leads to dehydration. In less developed parts of the world, rotavirus is a common cause of hospitalization and death. Other facts about RotaTeq include:

• RotaTeq is an oral, liquid vaccine
• RotaTeq provides protection against five serotypes of rotavirus, including serotypes G1, G2, G3, G4 and P1

• RotaTeq should be given at your infant's 2 month, 4 month, and 6 month well child visit to your Pediatrician.
• The first dose of RotaTeq can be given between 6 and 12 weeks, with the next two doses be given at 4 to 10 week intervals, and the last dose being given by the time your baby is 32 weeks old.

RotaTeq is available now and RotaTeq is a part of the routine childhood immunization schedule.

Although it is an expensive vaccine, fortunately, most insurance companies have already starting paying for RotaTeq. Still, you might double check your insurance coverage before your next visit to your pediatrician.

Side effects can include diarrhea, vomiting, ear infection, runny nose and sore throat, wheezing and coughing.

As of February 2007, there have been 28 post-marketing reports of intussuception after infants received their dose of RotaTeq, however, this is not any higher than would be expected to occur naturally, so it is not known if the cases were caused by the vaccine or simply occured by coincidence (the infant would have had intussusception anyway, and just so happened to also have gotten RotaTeq).

If your child does develop intense stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, blood in his stool, or other changes to his bowel movements, which could be a symptom of intussusception, be sure to call your doctor and report it to VAERS.

• It is estimated that a rotavirus vaccine, if used worldwide, could save about 500,000 children each year.
  
  
• Most infants recover completely when they have intussusception if they are treated within 24 hours.
  
  
• RotaShield, an older rotavirus vaccine, was withdrawn from the market in 1999 after reports that it might have caused an increased risk of intussusception.
  
  
• Rotarix is another rotavirus vaccine that was recently approved by the FDA.
  
  
• Although it is a live virus vaccine, experts advise that children can get RotaTeq even if they live in a household with a person that has a problem with their immune system.

• Update on Rotavirus Vaccines Bresee JS - Pediatr Infect Dis J - 01-NOV-2005; 24(11): 947-52
• The Promise of New Rotavirus Vaccines Glass R. I., Parashar U. D. N Engl J Med 2006; 354:75-77, Jan 5, 2006. Editorials
• Safety and Efficacy of a Pentavalent Human Bovine (WC3) Reassortant Rotavirus Vaccine Vesikari T., et al. N Engl J Med 2006; 354:23-33, Jan 5, 2006.
• FDA News FDA Approves New Vaccine to Prevent Rotavirus Gastroenteritis in Infants. February 3, 2006
• AAP Policy Statement. Prevention of Rotavirus Disease: Guidelines for Use of Rotavirus Vaccine. November 1, 2006.
• FDA Public Health Notification. Information on RotaTeq and Intussusception. February 13, 2007