The rotavirus vaccine was created in 1998 in the United States to combat a virus responsible for severe diarrhea that was affecting and even causing the death of mainly children under five years of age worldwide.

The vaccine is made with live viruses that will fight gastroenteritis, which is the main cause of rotavirus, and should be administered in 2 oral doses. Currently, the Unified Health System (SUS) provides the rotavirus vaccine free of charge for children up to six months of age, as this group is at the highest risk of severe complications from the virus. For other age brackets, it is only available at private health clinics, although in some cases insurance may cover the vaccine at no cost. Vaccination is recommended to prevent and alleviate the symptoms caused by this virus, which, in addition to intense diarrhea, may also include vomiting and high fever. Stools may appear gelatinous or oily, and can trigger severe abdominal pain, as well as loss of appetite and breathing difficulties.

The disease spreads through the sharing of personal objects, toys, and also in public places where the virus may be present. Another way to contract the virus is through the ingestion of contaminated water and food or through contact with infected respiratory secretions that can be expelled with a simple sneeze.

What Are the Contraindications for the Vaccine?

The rotavirus vaccine is contraindicated for children who have hypersensitivity to any of its components, so it is important to watch for reactions after the first dose. Side effects such as diarrhea, vomiting, runny nose, sore throat, and even itching and red spots on the skin are hypersensitivity reactions to some substance in the vaccine. In this case, you should inform your pediatrician so that the second dose can be suspended. If a baby vomits or spits up after taking the vaccine, the dose should not be repeated. The medication is quickly absorbed by the body, so another dose is not necessary—remember that the vaccine should not be used in children outside the recommended age range.

The rotavirus vaccine is also not recommended for children who are taking immunosuppressive medication such as corticosteroids or chemotherapy drugs. For babies born with malformations in the digestive tract, intestinal intussusception, or who have chronic gastrointestinal disease, the vaccine is also not recommended and should be suspended under pediatric supervision.

A very important fact that every mother should know is that every child under the age of 5 will at least once contract the rotavirus, showing symptoms even if vaccinated. Of course, thanks to the immunity from the vaccine, the symptoms are much milder. As it is a viral disease, unfortunately, even with all precautions, infection is often unavoidable. In cases of severe diarrhea and vomiting, a doctor should be consulted immediately.

See also: Rotavirus – What Is It?

Photo: Joshua Nixon