Rotavirus is Deadly
Rotavirus is Deadly . Rotavirus vaccine provides protection by boosting immunity against the very troublesome and contagious Reoviridae microbe that causes intestinal disease. Transmitted to humans through contact with the mouth or faeces, rotavirus can cause death if no precautions are taken.
A rotavirus vaccine is one of the most effective ways to protect against this dangerous microbial attack.
Two different licensed rotavirus vaccines are used worldwide and in our country. One is a 2-dose vaccine and the other is a 3-dose vaccine. Your doctor will decide which one to use. Except for babies, this vaccine is not used for other age groups. Symptoms such as mild fever, weakness and temporary diarrhoea may occur after the vaccination. Unfortunately, rotavirus vaccines are paid for and not covered by the government.
Rotavirus is a dangerous disease that belongs to the highly contagious family of viruses called Reoviridae. It causes intestinal problems, vomiting, diarrhoea and fever in infants and is a serious infection.
As there is no direct medication to treat rotavirus, the most effective protection is the rotavirus vaccine. There are 2 different vaccines on the market called Rotarix and Rotateq. The vaccine called Rotarix is given in 2 doses and the vaccine called Rotateq is given in 3 doses. These vaccines are given orally, not by syringe and needle. The administration is simple.
How Does The Rotavirus Vaccine Work?
Rotavirus is Deadly.The rotavirus vaccine provides very high protection. On average, it provides about 75 percent protection against infection. It has been shown to prevent more than 90% of severe illness and 95% of hospitalisations. Even when vaccinated babies and children are infected, the disease is very mild because they have been vaccinated.
Why Should a Child Be Vaccinated Against Rotavirus?
Rotavirus infection is a serious virus that threatens the lives of children under 5 years of age. The rotavirus vaccine is the only simple way to prevent this infection. In countries where the vaccine is administered, hospitalisation and mortality rates are almost negligible.
Unvaccinated babies are susceptible to rotavirus and can become seriously ill. Although infection alone is not life-threatening, dehydration (loss of fluid), one of the symptoms of the disease, is dangerous. Therefore, it should not be neglected and vaccination is recommended.
Who Can Be Vaccinated Against Rotavirus?
The rotavirus vaccine is only for babies. It is not given to children or adults. WHO recommends that it should be given to babies under 15 weeks of age and that all doses should be completed by 32 weeks of age at the latest.
This age limit has been set to protect against the risk of a condition that causes intestinal obstruction. Children and adults outside this age range should not be vaccinated.
Who Should Not Be Vaccinated Against Rotavirus?
- Infants over 3.5 months of age who have not received their first dose of rotavirus vaccine,
- Babies who have received the first dose but are older than 6 months for the second dose,
- Babies who have had a severe allergic reaction to the first dose of the vaccine,
- Babies who have been exposed to HIV,
- AIDS or any other disease that weakens the immune system,
- Babies with intestinal problems,
- babies receiving long-term steroid treatment, babies with cancer who are
- cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, and may be postponed according to the doctor’s advice.
How Is The Rotavirus Vaccine Given?
Both types of rotavirus vaccine are given as drops by mouth. One of the rotavirus vaccines is a 2-dose vaccine and the other is a 3-dose vaccine. Healthcare professionals will decide which vaccine to use. All health-related procedures should be done in health facilities and by health professionals.
How Long Does The Rotavirus Vaccine Protect?
There is no definitive evidence on how many years of protection the rotavirus vaccine provides. However, studies have shown that at least 2 doses of the vaccine provide protection for up to several years. In addition, rotavirus vaccines do not require booster doses.
