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Global Experience With Rotavirus Vaccines
Rachel M Burke1, Jacqueline E Tate1, Umesh D Parashar1
1Viral Gastroenteritis Branch, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Insights
Rotavirus vaccines significantly reduce severe pediatric diarrhea globally. Ongoing research aims to address geographic disparities in vaccine effectiveness for worldwide optimization.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Vaccinology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Rotavirus is a primary cause of severe diarrhea in children globally.
- Live, oral rotavirus vaccines (Rotarix, RotaTeq) were licensed in 2006, followed by Rotasiil and Rotavac in 2018.
- The World Health Organization recommended global infant rotavirus vaccination in 2009.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the global adoption and effectiveness of rotavirus vaccines.
- To highlight the expansion of rotavirus vaccine availability and impact.
- To identify areas for optimizing global vaccine strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of vaccine licensure, WHO recommendations, and national introductions.
- Analysis of demonstrated effectiveness against severe rotavirus disease and mortality.
- Examination of cross-genotypic protection and benefit-risk profiles.
Main Results:
- Rotavirus vaccines have been introduced in 106 countries as of March 2021.
- Vaccines demonstrate effectiveness in preventing severe disease and mortality.
- Cross-genotypic protection and a favorable benefit-risk profile are confirmed.
Conclusions:
- Rotavirus vaccination is a critical public health intervention for pediatric diarrhea.
- Continued research is necessary to understand and mitigate geographic variations in vaccine effectiveness.
- Optimizing global vaccine strategies is essential for maximizing public health impact.
Abstract:
Rotavirus is a major cause of severe pediatric diarrhea worldwide. In 2006, 2 live, oral rotavirus vaccines, Rotarix and RotaTeq, were licensed for use in infants and were rapidly adopted in many high- and middle-income settings where efficacy had been demonstrated in clinical trials. Following completion of successful trials in low-income settings, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended rotavirus vaccination for all infants globally in 2009. In 2018, 2 new rotavirus vaccines, Rotasiil and Rotavac, were prequalified by WHO, expanding global availability. As of March 2021, rotavirus vaccines have been introduced nationally in 106 countries. Since, Rotavirus vaccines have demonstrated effectiveness against severe disease and mortality, even among age groups in eligible for vaccination. Cross-genotypic protection has been demonstrated, and the favorable benefit-risk profile of these vaccines continues to be confirmed. Ongoing research seeks to better understand reasons for the geographic disparities in effectiveness observed, in order to optimize vaccine strategies worldwide.
