Why Rotavirus Vaccination Among Infants Is Important

Perhaps not many outside the health professions know that Rotavirus is the leading cause of diarrhea worldwide and it is also probably the leading cause of diarrhea in the Philippines. Want to know the statistics? One child dies of diarrhea worldwide. Locally, at least 13 children below five years of age die every day.

Another piece of information perhaps many Filipinos do not know yet – Rotavirus vaccination is already included in the country’s Expanded Program of Immunizaton or EPI. In fact, the Philippines is the very first Asian country to implement Rotavirus Vaccination in the EPI. However the budget is not enough to cover enough number of children for Rotavirus vaccination through the EPI. Only 700,000 poorest Filipino infants are the target of the Rotavirus vaccination under the EPI. Therefore those who have relatively a better financial standing should have their kids vaccinated via their private physician or pediatrician.

So why should kids be vaccinated for Rotavirus?

1. Rotavirus infection can cause severe diarrhea and vomiting which makes oral rehydration therapy a challenge. 2
2. Most children will get at least one rotavirus infection by age 2 or 3.
3. Diarrhea is among the top 3 killers of children below 5 years of age in the Philippines through the years. It is a preventable disease. No one should die from a preventable disease.
4. Diarrhea also has effects on nutrient absorption, growth and development, fitness, cognition and schooling.
5. Hospitalizations due to diarrhea results to income loss for parents due to work absence and hospital expenses.
6. It has been shown that vaccination has been successful in reducing the burden — by around 75% reduction in hospitalization due to rotaviral diarrhea. Vaccination together with improvements in water and sanitation significantly reduce rotavirus diarrhea burden.  In other words, Rotavirus vaccination is the most effective way to prevent diarrhea-related childhood deaths under 5 years of age.
7. There could be a possible link between biliary atresia and rotavirus.

Rotavirus vaccination is already included in the country’s Expanded Program of Immunizaton or EPI. 

Two brands of rotavirus vaccines are available which is given in 2 or 3 doses depending on the brand. The first dose may already be given as early as 6 weeks of age. For more information on dosing and safety of the vaccine, you may visit your pediatrician or read this CDC Rotavirus vaccine page.

Let us spread the advocacy of universal rotavirus vaccination. Feel free to share this information.

Source: narcisotapia.com