November 9, 2012

expert reaction to announcement of rotavirus vaccine

The Department of Health announced that babies in the UK are to be vaccinated against rotavirus, which causes vomiting and diarrhoea, with the vaccine being made available from September 2013.

Prof Adam Finn, Professor of Paediatrics, University of Bristol, said:

“Rotavirus causes large epidemics of diarrhoea and vomiting in babies and young children every winter and with it, misery for thousands of families across the country.

“The vaccine, which is going to be introduced in the UK next year, is given by mouth at the same time as other routine vaccines starting at 2 month of age. It has been used in other countries including the USA, Mexico and Belgium for several years and it’s clear that it works well.

“I’m pleased that another unpleasant illness that affects most children is going to be brought under control. It will also help hospitals cope in the busy winter months by reducing pressure on beds and front-line staff.”

Dr David Elliman, Immunisation Specialist of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, said:

“This is an important advance as whilst rotavirus does not cause many deaths in the UK, it does cause a huge amount of suffering. Rotavirus affects large numbers of under-fives causing them diarrhoea for a few days. This vaccine will mean less pressure both on distressed parents who have to care for their children and of course the GPs and hospital services who are treating them.

“This is a vaccine that has been used for some years in the US, so though new to us there is a large body of experience showing that it is safe and effective.”