Rotavirus vaccination has been a mandatory vaccination since 2022 - previously it was recommended vaccination, which meant that the parent had to pay for it out of his own pocket. This is good news for every parent - rotaviruses are very dangerous pathogens, which are the most common cause of severe diarrhea and vomiting in infants and children. In extreme cases, rotavirus infection can even lead to death. The rotavirus vaccine can prevent this from happening.

Rotavirus vaccinationssince 2022 are on the list of compulsory vaccinations, which has long been postulated by experts arguing that the vaccine should be given all children. It is worth knowing, however, that vaccination is free only for children born in 2022 - according to the announcement posted on the Ministry of He alth website, the cost of the vaccine for children born in 2022 is still borne by the parent.

Why should my child be vaccinated against rotavirus?

Rotaviruses are very dangerous pathogens that cause acute, watery diarrhea (a toddler gives rare stools a dozen times a day). It is accompanied by high fever (up to 40 degrees C), sometimes also vomiting. In the youngest children, rotavirus infection is very severe and can quickly dehydrate the body. Therefore, it is often treated in a hospital, and the stay in the hospital may last - depending on the child's condition - even several days. Rotavirus infection can also be fatal.

Rotavirus vaccinations - indications

Rotavirus vaccineshould be given to all children free of charge. According to the 2022 immunization program, the first dose of the vaccine is given to a child after the age of 6 weeks, and the next dose should be given before the age of 32 weeks (with intervals between doses, which must not be shorter than four weeks). The vaccination schedule, however, depends on the formulation selected.

2 or 3-dose rotavirus vaccination schedule to be completed:

  • before the age of 24 weeks (preferably up to 16 weeks of age) for the 2-dose vaccine
  • before the age of 32 weeks (preferably up to 20-22 weeks of age) for3-dose vaccine

In premature babies and children who are chronically ill, who usually stay in hospital more often and for longer periods, vaccination against rotavirus is particularly recommended as children who stay in hospital often have a greater risk of developing rotavirus diarrhea. However, in such cases, the decision to vaccinate is always made by the attending physician.

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Rotavirus vaccinations - how many doses?

The rotavirus vaccine is painless because it comes in the form of drops and is administered orally. These drops have a pleasant, sweet taste, which is why vaccination is pleasant for the baby.

According to the Ministry of He alth, children, in accordance with the preventive vaccination program for 2022 throughout the country, children will be vaccinated with the same preparation - a live vaccine in the form of an oral solution. One dose of the vaccine is 2 ml, and the child should receive a total of three doses.

It is worth knowing that the number of vaccine doses depends on the manufacturer's instructions. In addition to the three-dose vaccine refunded by the National He alth Fund and free for parents, a two-dose vaccine is also available on the market.

Rotavirus vaccines can be used simultaneously with other vaccines. The exception is the tuberculosis vaccine, which in the current vaccination schedule is administered in the first 24 hours of a child's life.

The administration of the first dose of rotavirus vaccine is recommended at 6-8 weeks of age, but not later than before 12 weeks of age, and the last dose until 24 weeks of age.

If your child vomits after vaccination, please see your doctor who will decide if you need to get the vaccine again.

Probe

Rotavirus vaccinations - are they effective?

Yes. Although the vaccine does not guarantee that the child will not get sick at all, it protects against a severe course of the disease - requiring hospital treatment. Both the two-dose and the three-dose vaccine, when all the recommended doses have been given correctly, are equally effective. Research has shown that:

  • 90-100% of vaccinated children are protected from developing severe rotavirus diarrhea and the associated hospital stay
  • 70-90% will not develop rotavirus diarrhea

Rotavirus vaccine - how much does it work?

Research shows that protection levels are maintained for at least 3 years (and possibly much longer), which is when you are at greatest risk of developing severe rotavirus diarrhea. It's worth itknow that the immunization does not protect your child from diarrhea caused by other viruses or bacteria.

Rotavirus vaccine - how much does it cost?

The three-dose vaccine reimbursed by the National He alth Fund is free for parents. The price of one dose of a two-dose vaccine ranges from PLN 250 to PLN 350.

Rotavirus vaccine - complications

Rotavirus vaccines are well tolerated. However, like any vaccine, the rotavirus vaccine can cause transient vaccine reactions, such as fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. In such a situation, you should contact your doctor who will assess the degree of their severity and recommend appropriate treatment.

Rotavirus vaccine - contraindications

Contraindications to rotavirus vaccination are:

  • previous intussusception
  • serious immune system disorders
  • serious allergic reactions to substances in the vaccine
  • acute infectious diseases
  • ongoing diarrhea or vomiting.

Rotavirus vaccine and adverse vaccine reactions (NOP)

Following rotavirus vaccine administration, as with any vaccine, (NOP) may occur. It is worth knowing that the vast majority of side effects after vaccination are mild and disappear quickly, and usually do not require treatment or are not complicated to treat.

Adverse Vaccine Reaction (NOP) is most often fever and injection site reaction. Such symptoms can be reported to the doctor, the parent can also report them directly to the Office for Registration of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices and Biocidal Products.

Each report is checked in terms of its formal and content, and then sent to the WHO (World He alth Organization) database and the European database that collects information on side effects of drugs and medical preparations.

Dr. Monika Lech, pediatrician from Medicover Hospital - rotavirus vaccines are effective and safe

Source: www.newsrm.tv/

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Child's he alth