Rotavirus Vaccine

Rotavirus is a highly contagious diarrhoea-causing virus. Prior to the development of a vaccine, the majority of the children were prone to infection by Rotavirus at least once before they turn 5. Although the infections from rotavirus are unpleasant, they are usually treatable at home with proper medication and fluids to avoid dehydration. Severe dehydration may necessitate receiving fluids through veins (intravenously) in the hospital. It is critical to practise good hygiene, by washing your hands on a regular basis. However, vaccination is the most effective way to avoid rotavirus infection.

What is Rotavirus

The virus which infects the intestinal lining is known as the rotavirus. Although it is not commonly known as Rotavirus itself, most households recognise rotavirus by its symptoms, which include persistent and severe vomiting, high fever, and diarrhoea. In the United States every year prior to the vaccine, rotavirus caused:

• 2.7 million children got infected with Rotavirus, most of whom are between the ages of 6 and 24 months
• Hospitalizations ranged from 55,000 to 70,000
• 20 to 60 fatalities

Rotavirus infection can usually start within two days of virus exposure. Fever and vomiting are the first symptoms, that is followed by 3 to 7 days of watery diarrhoea. Abdominal pain can also be caused by the infection. Rotavirus infection in a healthy adult may result in only mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. It is very common for children aged 3 to 35 months to get infected with Rotavirus. Adults over the age of 65, as well as those caring for young children, are at a higher risk of infection. Severe diarrhoea, especially in young children, can cause dehydration. Dehydration, regardless of its cause, can become a very severe and life-threatening condition if left untreated.

Rotavirus Vaccine

As part of routine childhood vaccinations, babies receive an oral vaccine which helps them fight rotavirus infection. The vaccine is administered in two doses, four weeks apart. The first dose is usually given at 8 weeks, followed by the second dose being given in the 12th week. The vaccine is administered as a liquid directly in the baby’s mouth for him or her to swallow. Rotavirus is an extremely infectious stomach bug which can typically affect babies and children of young age, causing diarrhoea, vomiting, tummy ache, and a high fever. Rotavirus vaccination is routinely available as part of the childhood vaccination programme for infants aged 8 to 12 weeks in the NHS. 

Effectiveness of Vaccine

The rotavirus vaccine is extremely effective and provides an excellent safeguard against rotavirus infection. It is probable for the baby to contract rotavirus after being immunized. However, this is uncommon, and the symptoms are usually milder than they would’ve been if they haven’t been vaccinated. The rotavirus vaccine has decreased the number of kids who do have vomiting and diarrhoea, as well as the number of catastrophic rotavirus infections, ever since its emergence into the vaccination programme. It is unknown how long it will last, but studies have also shown that two dosages of the Rotavirus vaccine can safeguard a kid for several years.

Side effects

There are a lot of side effects of Rotavirus and can be classified into three categories such as:

• Common

1. Diarrhoea
2. Feeling restless or irritable.

• Uncommon

1. Pain in the Stomach
2. Wind
3. Bringing up food
4. Loss of diet
5. Skin Inflammation.

• Very Rare:

Rotavirus vaccines could be linked to a very slight increase in the risk of a rare disorder known as intussusception. A portion of the intestinal folds onto itself (like such a collapsible telescope) in this condition, causing an obstruction. Intussusception requires urgent medical care since it can be fatal. The symptoms include severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and discarding what appears to be red jelly (blood in the baby’s diaper). The majority of kids with intussusception are successfully treated and recover completely.

Conclusion

Rotavirus is an extremely infectious virus that causes diarrhoea. Prior to the introduction of a vaccine, the majority of kids are infected with Rotavirus once before reaching the age of five. Although rotavirus infections are uncomfortable, they are generally treatable at home with fluids to avoid dehydration. Babies receive an oral vaccine to help them fight rotavirus infection as part of routine childhood vaccinations. The vaccine is given in two doses separated by four weeks. The first dose is usually administered at 8 weeks, followed by the second dose in the 12th week.