Rotavirus is a common childhood illness that can lead to severe diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. This infection is particularly concerning for infants and young children, often requiring medical attention and, in some cases, hospitalization. Fortunately, vaccination offers a reliable way to protect children from the severe consequences of this widespread disease.
What is Rotavirus and Why Vaccinate?
Rotavirus is a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Symptoms typically appear about two days after exposure and can include severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and stomach pain, lasting from three to eight days. The virus spreads easily through the fecal-oral route, through contaminated hands or surfaces.
Dehydration is a significant concern, especially in infants, as their smaller body weights make them more vulnerable to fluid and electrolyte loss. Before the introduction of rotavirus vaccines, the infection led to millions of clinic visits, hospitalizations, and hundreds of thousands of deaths globally each year in children under five. Vaccination is a public health measure that helps prevent these severe outcomes by enabling the body to produce protective antibodies against the virus.
Comparing Rotarix and Rotateq
Two primary rotavirus vaccines are available: Rotarix and RotaTeq, each with distinct characteristics. Rotarix is a monovalent vaccine, containing one live, attenuated human rotavirus strain. It is designed to protect against G1 and non-G1 types like G3, G4, and G9. Rotarix is administered in a two-dose series.
In contrast, RotaTeq is a pentavalent vaccine, incorporating five live human-bovine reassortant rotavirus strains. These strains are G1, G2, G3, G4, and P1A. RotaTeq requires a three-dose series.
Both vaccines are given orally. The first dose of either vaccine should be given before 15 weeks of age, and the final dose by 8 months of age. Rotarix is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, while RotaTeq is produced by Merck.
Effectiveness and Safety
Both Rotarix and RotaTeq are highly effective in preventing severe rotavirus disease, hospitalizations, and deaths. Clinical trials and real-world data have shown that these vaccines reduce severe illness among infants, with effectiveness against severe rotavirus gastroenteritis often exceeding 85%.
Common side effects are mild and temporary, including irritability, mild diarrhea, or vomiting. A rare, serious risk is intussusception, a type of bowel blockage. This occurs in about 1 in 100,000 children, usually within a week after the first or second dose. It is important to note that intussusception can also occur naturally in infants without vaccination, and the protective benefits of the vaccine against rotavirus disease generally outweigh this small risk.
Choosing a Rotavirus Vaccine
Both Rotarix and RotaTeq are effective and safe options for protecting infants against rotavirus. The decision between the two depends on factors healthcare providers consider. Factors include specific practice guidelines, vaccine availability, and the number of doses required.
The choice is made by the healthcare provider. It is always recommended to discuss vaccine options with a healthcare professional. They can offer personalized guidance based on an individual child’s health, local recommendations, and current vaccine supply.