Rotavirus vaccine
| Vaccine description | |
|---|---|
| Target | Rotavirus |
| Vaccine type | Attenuated |
| Clinical data | |
| Trade names | Rotarix, Rotateq, others |
| AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
| MedlinePlus | a607024 |
| License data | |
| Routes of administration | By mouth |
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A rotavirus vaccine is a vaccine used to protect against rotavirus infections, which are the leading cause of severe diarrhea among young children. These vaccines prevent 15–34% of severe diarrhea in the developing world and 37–96% of the risk of death among young children due to severe diarrhea. Immunizing babies decreases rates of rotavirus disease among older people and those who have not been immunized.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that rotavirus vaccine be included in national routine vaccinations programs, especially in areas where the disease is common. This should be done along with promoting breastfeeding, handwashing, clean water, and good sanitation. They are given by mouth and two or three doses are required. The approved vaccines are recommended. This includes their use in people with HIV/AIDS. The vaccines are made with weakened rotavirus.
The currently licensed live oral vaccine first became available in the United States in 2006. They are on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. The vaccines are available in many countries.