Lately I've had some queries from mothers regarding the Rotavirus vaccine because of one particular TV commercial ad being shown these days regarding gastroenteritis in infants. I've always mentioned this vaccine to parents during infant well child visits but because of financial constraints, most parents opt not to give their child this vaccine.
Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe gastroenteritis in infants and young children worldwide. Transmission is by fecal-oral route but can spread from person to person also via infected hands, toys or other objects. ( We all know that babies like to touch objects and even put them in their mouth so they are really susceptible to infection.) Infection caused by rotavirus can lead to fever, vomiting and diarrhea. Loss of body fluids and electrolytes may lead to dehydration and hospitalization.
There are two kinds of Rotavirus vaccines available now. First is Rotarix, a monovalent vaccine produced by GlaxoSmithKline. It gives protection from rotavirus serotypes - G1 and non-G1 types (G2, G3, G4, and G9). It is given in two oral doses. It is given as early as 1 1/2 months (6weeks)and should be completed by 6 months. An interval of at least one month is required between doses. Second is the Rotateq, a pentavalent vaccine produced by Merck. Unlike Rotarix, this is given in three oral doses as early as 1 1/2 months until 8 months. It gives protection against serotypes G1, G2, G3 and G4 and G-serotypes with P1A[8] strains like G9. Common side effects of the vaccine are diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fever and irritability.
As I always say to parents, the side effects depend on each patient. My nephew didn't experience any side effects when I gave him the vaccine but I had 2 patients who had diarrhea for a few days after receiving it.
According to my baby's pedia, among her patients, I was the first one to have my baby vaccinated for the rotavirus (she has been a pedia for years now). According to her, most of the parents opt not to give this vax to their babies because it's expensive. By the way, I have a question, my baby was late for this vax. She was given rotateq vax when she was 6mos old, 7mos, and 8mos. Pedia forgot to remind us that we need to have our baby vaccinated for rotavirus when baby was just 2 months old. Is that ok?
ReplyDeleteIt's okay. It's just a good thing that your baby didn't get sick with rotavirus infection when she didn't have the vaccine yet.
ReplyDeleteMy baby got his 2 shots of rotateq between his 2nd and 6th month. After that hindi na nasundan out of stock kasi, until his pedia told us na there's no need kasi lumagpas na eh. Rotateq was expensive kaya optional lang sya.
ReplyDeleteYup! If your baby is more than 8 months, sa RotaTeq hindi na pwedeng bigyan si baby ng 3rd shot.
ReplyDeletemy baby completed his rotavirus shots matagal na. it really works.
ReplyDeletelove,
nobe
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