Rotavirus Vaccine (Information for Parents and Public)
Rotavirus disease
- Rotavirus disease is a diarrheal disease caused by a virus called rotavirus.
- Rotavirus is a virus that infects the intestines.
- Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrheal disease in infants and young children worldwide.
- Rotavirus is not the only cause of diarrhea, several other agents may also cause diarrhea.
- Rotavirus infection is highly contagious.
- Rotavirus spread by fecal-oral route – The primary mode of transmission of rotavirus is the passage of the virus in stool to the mouth of another child.
Immunization Schedule Nepal
Rotavirus Vaccine Guideline 2075, CHD, Department of Health Services
Signs and symptoms of rotavirus infection
- Three main symptoms of rotavirus infection: – Fever – Vomiting – Watery diarrhea
- Abdominal pain may also occur
- Diarrhea usually stops after 3 to 7 days
- Young children can become dehydrated, requiring urgent treatment.
Risk Population
- Infants after the age of 3 months
– Low to no immunity
– Vulnerable to dehydration - Older children if they are immunocompromised
Rotavirus vaccine
- Vaccine type: RV1 (monovalent human rotavirus vaccine)
- Rotavirus vaccine is a ready-to-use, oral vaccine in a liquid formulation
– Specially designed tube for direct oral administration
– 1 tube = 1 dose
– Tube has 1.5mL liquid
Rotavirus vaccine schedule
- Rotavirus vaccine is given in a 2-dose schedule at 6 and 10 weeks of age
- Rotavirus vaccine should be given at the same time as first and second dose of DTP-HepB-Hib (i.e. Penta1 & Penta2)
- Maintain an interval of 4 weeks between doses.
Health Organization Profiles
- The Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP), Nepal
- Department of Drug Administration (DDA), Ministry of Health and Population
- Department of Health Services (DoHS), Ministry of Health and Population
- Department of Ayurveda and Alternative Medicine (DoAA)
- Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, Department of Health Services
- Family Welfare Division (FWD), Department of Health Services
- National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL)