Why was the oral rotavirus vaccine removed from the market?
Rotavirus vaccines have a troubled history — Wyeth’s Rotashield was pulled off the market in 1999 after it was linked with a rare but deadly bowel obstruction called intussusception. The contaminating virus in Rotarix, called porcine circovirus type 1 or PCV-1, is not known to cause disease.
What was the issue with the 1991 rotavirus vaccine?
However, with widespread use of the rotavirus vaccine, the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) of the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) received reports that some vaccinees had experienced intussusception, a potentially life-threatening intestinal blockage.
When did they start vaccinating for rotavirus?
A vaccine to prevent rotavirus gastroenteritis was first licensed in the United States in 1998 but was withdrawn in 1999 because of its association with intussusception, a type of bowel blockage when the bowel folds into itself like a telescope.
Is the rotavirus vaccine still given?
Two rotavirus vaccines are currently licensed for infants in the United States: RotaTeq® (RV5) is given in 3 doses at ages 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months. Rotarix® (RV1) is given in 2 doses at ages 2 months and 4 months.
Is the rotavirus vaccine FDA approved?
Available Rotavirus Vaccines There are two rotavirus vaccines approved for use in the United States: Rotarix [PDF – 22 pages] : The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved this vaccine in 2008 for use in infants 6 to 24 weeks of age.
Can adults get the rotavirus vaccine?
There are two vaccines available: RotaTeq. This vaccine is given by mouth in three doses, often at 2, 4 and 6 months. The vaccine isn’t approved for use in older children or adults.
Should I give rotavirus vaccine to my baby?
Rotavirus spreads easily among infants and young children. The virus can cause severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. Children who get rotavirus disease can become dehydrated and may need to be hospitalized. CDC recommends that infants get rotavirus vaccine to protect against rotavirus disease.
Is the rotavirus vaccine harmful?
The rotavirus vaccine is very safe, and it is effective at preventing rotavirus disease. Vaccines, like any medicine, can have side effects. Most babies who get rotavirus vaccine do not have any problems with it.
Should my baby have the rotavirus vaccine?