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Guide to the Rotavirus Vaccine

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

22 Nov 2008 11:59 AM

vial When it comes to your baby, I am of the mindset that the more information you have at hand, the better chance you have of making the right decision for your baby. Immunization is a highly debated topic among some. Many parents choose not to vaccinate and are trying to enact laws that make it illegal for a child to be refused private daycare because of lack of immunization. Other parents believe wholeheartedly in the power of vaccinations to protect children from potentially fatal diseases and oppose measures that would allow non-vaccinated children to be enrolled in private day care or school. Whichever camp you are in, you might want to know a little bit about the Rotavirius vaccine.

What is Rotavirus?

Rotavirus is a condition that causes diarrhea and sometimes vomiting. The symptoms are usually seen in young children, and the condition can often lead to hospitalization and even death in infants. The Rotavirus can quickly cause dehydration in a young child. Rotavirus is also highly contagious, and it tends to hang around day care.

What is the Rotavirus Vaccine?

The Rotavirus vaccine became available for infants in 2006. Infants get three doses of the vaccine in their first year of life to protect them from contracting Rotavirus. It was originally developed earlier but pulled off 1999.

Rotavius Vaccine in the News

I mentioned that the vaccine was pulled in 1999. In 2007, the FDA issued a warning on the vaccine saying that it could possibly cause and intestinal condition. (You can read Val's blog that explains all of this ). Proponents of the vaccine believe that the occurrence of this condition may be present naturally and not be linked to the vaccine at all, and that the benefits of the vaccine far outweigh any small chance of side effects. Critics urge caution.

This month, preliminary data from the New York Department of Health shows a significant reduction in the number of childhood hospitalizations for Rotavirus, since the vaccine has been introduced for infants in 2006. The rate of reduction for Rotavirus hospitalizations? A whopping 85 percent.

Click here for more articles by Mary Ann Romans.

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Having a Clean Home Might Be Bad for Your Baby

Fluoride and Infants

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans
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Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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User Comments

Pattie Hughes Online! (7652) 22 Nov 2008 12:34 PM

My pediatrician recommended not getting it until there is more information. She said the vax company was pushing it so they could "gather data". She told me she isn't giving it to any of her patients because she feels that for her own kids, getting an IV in the hospital for rotovirus is a lot better than having half the bowel removed. The reason for most of the hospitalizations is dehydration. This is a very vax friendly doctor too, so it gives added weight to the opinion for me than listening to the anti vax side.

Valorie Delp (49340) 23 Nov 2008 05:06 AM

I still won't get it for my children either. However, something that you didn't point out (maybe your source didn't point it out though) is that they started targeting the Rotavirus vaccine towards those who are at risk of being hospitalized from rotavirus. Babies who were preemies and other immuno-compromised children. Makes sense and it makes sense that you'd see such dramatic results from that as well.

Samual (11722) 23 Nov 2008 06:20 AM

Jamie had the RV jabs as he was premature and catches absolutely everything going around, he has had to be hospitalised because of the common cold before, so if there is a higher risk I think its a good idea, but we haven't given it to Pippa or Mikey as they rarely get ill so their body doesn't need the extra help to fight something off.

Mary Ann Romans (26886) 23 Nov 2008 09:48 AM

Thanks for the update Val, i didn't see that.

The vaccine wasn't available for my oldest. He did catch Rotavirus, and although he wasn't hospitalized, it was a pretty significant illness. My other two were vaccinated as a matter of course when they were infants. I didn't know anything about the vaccine at the time other than my doctor recommended it. I think it is so important to be informed!

ruthann8 (6378) 24 Nov 2008 08:00 AM

I am the parent that believes wholeheartedly in the power of vaccinations. But my doctor doesn't give the rotavirus vaccine unless you specifically want it. They had issues in the past and he still doesn't feel safe giving it yet, he is waiting for more research. So Ellamae wasn't vaccinated for it.

Mary Ann Romans (26886) 24 Nov 2008 10:58 AM

This past week, Molly had her 4 year shots which consist of Hep and MMR. She has been horribly sick ever since. I wonder if she caught something at the office or if this is a reaction to the shots. Does anyone have any stories about reactions?

Samual (11722) 24 Nov 2008 11:23 AM

Vaccines can make you ill for a few days, sometimes your body attacks the vaccine for a short amount of time so you can get a few symptoms of the illness the vaccine protects against, thats why alot of people feel a bit flu like after their flu shot.

jonesx6 (1606) 25 Nov 2008 06:31 AM

Mary Ann, I am sorry to hear that Molly isn't feeling well. Our oldest son was horribly sick after a round of shots. He was vomiting, feverish, and screamed for several hours. It was terrible. At the time I gave him Motrin and did my best to consol him. Thankfully he was better, although not 100%, but the next day. Our youngest daughter is heading to the doctors this morning for her long over due check up. We won't be getting shots. Personal convictions, not pushing them on anyone, nor would I debate someone about it. lol Praying Molly feels better soon. Perhaps a call to the doctor may be in order? Laura

Mary Ann Romans (26886) 25 Nov 2008 07:25 AM

She is doing much better now. This is the first time I have seen a reaction like this, and I am still not convinced that it was the shots versus something she picked up there. One little boy in the waiting room threw up all over the floor. The office did nothing. Finally, the parents grabbed some paper towel from the bathroom and cleaned it up, but I am sure there were plenty of germs since it wasn't disinfected.

Valorie Delp (49340) 28 Nov 2008 06:43 PM

I have one child that reacts to vaccines and has reacted to them since early, early on. I've never had one react to a vaccine at 3 or 4 when she didn't react at 3mos. I vote the germy office. ;-)

Mary Ann Romans (26886) 29 Nov 2008 06:18 AM

Thanks, Val!

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