Rotavirus Vaccination Programme

Rotavirus

Background: Previous research has shown a temporal relationship between the first rotavirus vaccine (RotaShield) dose and infant intussusception. The effect of RotaShield vaccination on admissions b because of intussusception in 10 states was investigated.

Methods: Data were obtained on all hospital discharges in 10 states between 1993 and 1999. An estimated 28% of the birth cohort received RotaShield. The records of infants hospitalized with intussusception were then analyzed.

Findings: Hospital admission because of intussusception in babies younger than 1 year during the RotaShield period was 4% lower than in the previous period. Among babies between 45 and 210 days of age, the target age for a first RotaShield dose, admissions because of intussusception in creased.

Conclusion: The total intussusception admission risk attributable to RotaShield was markedly lower than has been estimated previously. No evidence of increased admissions in infants with intussusception during the RotaShield period was found.