01/07/2013
Rotavirus Vaccination Announced
Around 675,000 babies a year in England are to be offered a new vaccination to protect them against rotavirus.
Starting today, the vaccine will provide protection to young babies most vulnerable to complications arising from rotavirus.
Parents will be offered this protection alongside their baby’s other childhood vaccinations.
The rotavirus infection is the most common cause of gastroenteritis (vomiting and diarrhoea) in children under five.
Nearly every child will develop rotavirus gastroenteritis by five years of age. The infection is responsible for 130,000 visits to the GP and 13,000 hospitalisations for dehydration every year, according to the government.
Dr Paul Cosford, Director for Health Protection and Medical Director at Public Health England (PHE), said: "Rotavirus is a highly infectious and unpleasant illness that affects thousands of young children each year. While most recover within a few days, nearly 1 in 5 will need to see their doctor, and 1 in 10 will end up in hospital as a result.
"Although good hygiene measures can help prevent spread of the disease, the best way to protect your baby from catching rotavirus is to get them vaccinated."
The Rotarix vaccine will be given orally to babies at two and three months of age, with an expected 50% reduction in rotavirus cases each year and a 70% drop in hospital stays.
(IT/CD)
Starting today, the vaccine will provide protection to young babies most vulnerable to complications arising from rotavirus.
Parents will be offered this protection alongside their baby’s other childhood vaccinations.
The rotavirus infection is the most common cause of gastroenteritis (vomiting and diarrhoea) in children under five.
Nearly every child will develop rotavirus gastroenteritis by five years of age. The infection is responsible for 130,000 visits to the GP and 13,000 hospitalisations for dehydration every year, according to the government.
Dr Paul Cosford, Director for Health Protection and Medical Director at Public Health England (PHE), said: "Rotavirus is a highly infectious and unpleasant illness that affects thousands of young children each year. While most recover within a few days, nearly 1 in 5 will need to see their doctor, and 1 in 10 will end up in hospital as a result.
"Although good hygiene measures can help prevent spread of the disease, the best way to protect your baby from catching rotavirus is to get them vaccinated."
The Rotarix vaccine will be given orally to babies at two and three months of age, with an expected 50% reduction in rotavirus cases each year and a 70% drop in hospital stays.
(IT/CD)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.