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Cases of rotavirus infections fall by 84% thanks to vaccination

The number of diagnosed Rotavirus cases, a highly infectious virus which may cause vomiting and diarrhoea, have dropped by 84%, following the introduction of a vaccine into the the national childhood immunisation schedule in July 2013, according to figures published by Public Health England.

VirusThe number of diagnosed Rotavirus cases, a highly infectiousvirus which may cause vomiting and diarrhoea, have dropped by 84%, followingthe introduction of a vaccine into the the national childhood immunisationschedule in July 2013, according to figures published by Public Health England.

This is based on the comparison of the number of cases in2015/2016 peak season versus the average number of cases in the same periodbetween 2003/4 and 2012/13.

The vaccine, which is given to babies at the age of 2 and 3months, protects against the virus, which particularly affects babies and youngchildren under 5, causing an unpleasant bout of diarrhoea, sometimes withvomiting, stomach ache and fever.

Before the vaccination was introduced, about 14,000 childrenwere admitted to hospital each year as a result of the virus because ofcomplications, such as extreme dehydration. 

The Department of Health also confirmed that GSK’s rotavirusvaccine, Rotarix, which was offered to babies for an initial period of 3 years,will continue to be offered as part of the national childhood immunisationprogramme.

Dr Ravi Pawa, Medical Affairs Manager for GSK UKPharmaceuticals Vaccines, said: “It is great to see that since the introductionof the rotavirus vaccination programme there has been a positive impact onreducing the number of cases of this infectious virus amongst young babies inthe UK.

“We are delighted that GSK’s rotavirus vaccine, Rotarix,will continue to be offered as part of the national childhood immunisationprogramme.” 

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