New vaccine offers babies protection against rotavirus

Around 675,000 babies a year in England are being offered a new vaccination to protect them against rotavirus.  Rotavirus infection is the most common cause of gastroenteritis (vomiting and diarrhoea) in children under five. Nearly every child will develop rotavirus gastroenteritis by five years of age. Rotavirus gastroenteritis is responsible for 130,000 visits to the GP and 13,000 hospitalisations for dehydration every year. Dr Paul Cosford, Director for Health Protection and Medical Director at Public Health England, said: “Rotavirus is a highly infectious and unpleasant illness that affects thousands of young children each year. While most recover within a few