Current and new rotavirus vaccines.

Area of Science:

• Vaccinology
• Public Health
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe diarrheal disease in infants and young children globally.
• Vaccination is a key strategy for preventing rotavirus gastroenteritis.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) prequalifies rotavirus vaccines for global use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on available rotavirus vaccines.
• To summarize the pipeline of rotavirus vaccines under development.
• To assess the impact and safety of rotavirus vaccination.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of published data on rotavirus vaccines.
• Analysis of WHO prequalification status and vaccine characteristics.
• Summary of safety data, including intussusception risk.

Main Results:

• Four rotavirus vaccines were WHO prequalified as of 2019.
• Available vaccines demonstrate effectiveness and a favorable risk-benefit profile.
• Vaccine supply shortages occurred, but new prequalifications increased product availability.
• Ongoing research and development are exploring novel vaccine candidates and administration routes.

Conclusions:

• Rotavirus vaccines have significantly reduced diarrheal disease burden worldwide.
• Continued monitoring for rare adverse events like intussusception is essential.
• Newer and pipeline vaccines offer diverse options for expanding global rotavirus immunization coverage and strategies.