Recommendations for the use of rotavirus vaccines in infants

The present statement provides information concerning the clinical rotavirus disease and rotavirus vaccines in Canada. Since the implementation of publically funded rotavirus vaccine programs in Canada, increasing evidence has been accumulating globally as to the effectiveness of rotavirus vaccines in the prevention of acute gastroenteritis. Current data estimate vaccine effectiveness to be in the order of 85% for preventing severe disease, including hospitalizations and emergency department visits, when vaccine coverage is high. Also, substantial herd protection in older children has been documented. Post-marketing surveillance has detected a very small increased risk of intussusception (one to three per 100,000) in children, usually occurring within 1 week of vaccination. Infants who have an identified significant immune deficiency or are suspected of having such a condition should not receive rotavirus vaccine.