Rotavirus is the virus that most often causes acute gastroenteritis in childhood, being able to become very gave if it is not treated immediately. To prevent this, there are two vaccines on the market that are marketed in Spain under the names of Rotarix and RotaTeq.
Both the Vaccine Advisory Committee of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics (CAV-AEP), and the Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) recommend the Universal rotavirus vaccination of all young infants. We tell you how the vaccine is administered and what you should consider.
What is rotavirus?
It's about a gastrointestinal virus that causes severe diarrhea and vomiting, mainly in babies and young children. This can cause severe dehydration (one of the main complications of the disease) and require hospitalization, as the consequences are serious if not treated immediately.
In countries with fewer resources, rotavirus disease causes about 450,000 deaths a year in infants and young children.
In Babies and more Symptoms of gastroenteritis in children In addition to diarrhea and vomiting, the rotavirus virus usually causes fever, stomach pain and malaise, and the symptoms last approximately three to eight days.
How is this virus transmitted?
This virus usually occurs frequently among children who go to daycare or have a close relationship with other children. Its transmission is fecal-oral, that is, It is found in the feces of infected people and is transmitted through the hands If hygiene is not adequate.
Thus, if a sick child goes to the bathroom and then touches objects or shares food or toys with other children, they are at risk of contracting the virus as well. The same happens if the people in charge of the sick child change diapers and do not wash their hands afterwards, since through contact they can infect other children as well as contaminate surfaces and objects.
Is the vaccine recommended?
The CAV-AEP recommends universal rotavirus vaccination of all young infants, it is the best way to prevent the disease and avoid suffering and hospitalization for diarrhea and acute vomiting.
In the case of premature babies, rotavirus gastroenteritis can be especially serious, so the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the CDC (ACIP) and WHO they consider that the benefits of this vaccine outweigh the hypothetical risks. Thus, the AEP recommends administering this vaccine to premature infants at the same age as it is administered to term infants.
In Babies and more The nine things about vaccination you should know if your baby is prematureIs it included in the official calendar?
No. The rotavirus vaccine is not included in the official vaccine schedule and therefore It is not funded by the public health system. If you want to put it on your child you must buy it at the pharmacy and pay the full amount.
How much does the vaccine cost?
In our country there are two preparations of this vaccine, which are marketed under the names of Rotateq and Rotarix. The price varies from one to another, being 93.66 euros for Rotarix and 69.50 euros for Rotateq.
Depending on the vaccine chosen, two to three doses are needed to completely immunize the child, so the cost of the final treatment would amount to 187.32 euros in the case of Rotarix and 208.50 euros in the case of Rotateq.
In Babies and more The 'Rotarix' rotavirus vaccine returns to pharmacies after six years How is the vaccine given?
Unlike conventional vaccines, rotavirus it is administered orally.
If you choose to vaccinate with Rotateq, three doses should be given to complete the immunization treatment.
If you choose to vaccinate with Rotarix, two doses should be given to complete the immunization treatment.
Pediatricians recommend administer this vaccine with the two month vaccines, or sometime between six and 12 weeks of the baby (never later). From the first dose, the remaining doses must be given at least one month apart, and have completed the schedule before 24 weeks of life (almost six months) in the case of Rotarix, or 32 weeks (almost 8 months) in that of RotaTeq.
In Babies and more From A to Z: All childhood vaccines from 0 to 14 years oldWhat side effects does it have?
The rotavirus vaccines are safe and effective vaccines to prevent disease. The CAV-AEP highlights the following adverse effects, among the most frequent after oral administration:
- Mild vomiting and diarrhea.
- Moderate fever
However, it also mentions isolated cases of bronchospasm, urticaria and intestinal invagination after the administration of this vaccine, the latter in particular in the week following the reception of the first dose. If this picture is produced, it should be evaluated urgently by a doctor.
What are the contraindications of this vaccine?
Like the other vaccines, the main contraindication is that there has been a severe anaphylaxis reaction with a previous dose, or if a serious allergy to any of its components is known. Nor should they be administered if there is a history of intestinal invagination or if there is any intestinal malformation that predisposes to it.
It should also be avoided when there is an immune disease, such as severe combined immunodeficiency, and vaccination should be postponed in case the child has diarrhea or vomiting.
