Anti-rotavirus vaccine

The vaccine, obtained using viruses which are live but do not cause the disease, is taken orally and can be administered together with other vaccinations.

The vaccine will protect most children and almost all will be protected from severe forms; in fact the vaccines available today have shown an overall effectiveness greater than 80%, and a reduction in hospitalisation of up to 100%.

When to vaccinate

In Europe, two different rotavirus vaccines are available, to be administered orally (one in two doses, and the other in three doses). Doses are recommended (even in preterm babies) at the following ages:

For two doses:

• the first dose can be given from 6 weeks of age and no later than 10-12 weeks;
• the second dose should be administered after a minimum interval of 4 weeks
• the cycle must be completed within 24 weeks of age

For three doses:

• the first dose can be given from 6 weeks of age and no later than 10-12 weeks
• for subsequent doses there must be a minimum interval of 4 weeks
• the cycle must be completed within 32 weeks of age

Who cannot be vaccinated

Children who have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of the rotavirus vaccine and children with immunological deficiencies (severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), HIV/AIDS or other diseases affecting the immune system, prolonged treatment with drugs such as corticosteroids , neoplasms or chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatments for neoplasms).

Always inform your doctor if your child has had an intestinal intussusception or any type of intestinal block treated in hospital.

When to postpone vaccination

Children with mild illnesses (for example cold or cough) can be vaccinated. If, on the other hand, they have moderate or severe illnesses (including vomiting and diarrhoea), it is advisable to delay vaccination until they have recovered.

Vaccination risks

Un vaccino, come qualunque altro farmaco, può causare effetti avversi, come le reazioni allergiche; tuttavia il rischio che un qualunque vaccino provochi un danno grave è minimo. La maggior parte dei bambini vaccinati non presenta alcun tipo di problema.

Minor problems

Dopo una dose di vaccino i bambini possono mostrare irritabilità, perdita di appetito o avere un episodio lieve e transitorio di febbre, diarrea e/o vomito.

Serious problems

A recent review of clinical studies has shown that, unlike the old vaccines, the vaccines currently in use have not led to an increased risk of intestinal intussusception.

Intestinal intussusception is a form of intestinal blockage that must be treated in hospital and sometimes requires surgical intervention. The estimated risk is about 1 case per 100,000 infants.