Vaccination against rotavirus

Definition

The rotavirus is widespread worldwide and is the most common pathogen causing inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract in children. Due to the high infectiousness and the long survival time of the viruses, for example on toys or door handles, almost all children up to the age of 5 fall ill. The rotavirus is the main cause of the high infant mortality rate in developing countries.

In western countries, the mortality rate from rotavirus is extremely low, but infection is accompanied by severe symptoms such as fever, gushing vomiting and severe diarrhea. The virus is transmitted via so-called smear infections, i.e. it is transmitted via the stool and hands of the infected person, whereby the smallest amounts of virus particles (about 15) are sufficient to trigger an infection (for comparison, the infection dose for the known virus Salmonella enteritidis is between 100,000 and 100,000,000 virus particles). Since 2013 the rotavirus oral vaccination is included in the vaccination recommendation of the STIKO (Standing Vaccination Commission).

Should I have my child vaccinated?

Immunization by vaccination should start in week 6 and be completed by week 24 or 32, depending on which of the two vaccines available in Germany you have chosen. The child is given two single doses orally (via the mouth). These single doses should be administered at intervals of two weeks and can be given together with other vaccines.

During vaccination, the modified viruses are absorbed through the gastrointestinal mucosa and the immune system forms antibodies against the virus. The cells (B-lymphocytes) that are “imprinted” on these viruses (i.e. which form antibodies specifically adapted to these viruses) can be reactivated by the body again and again afterwards, if the child comes into contact with the virus. Upon contact, the viruses are then eliminated on the spot without causing the disease.

Since there are many subtypes of rotavirus, it is possible to become infected with a rotavirus strain that is not included in the vaccination, even after vaccination. The probability for vaccinated children to get diarrhea decreases by 41% in the first year after vaccination. This applies both to rotavirus infections and to diarrheal diseases caused by other pathogens. The probability of getting infected with a rotavirus decreases by 90% in the first year after vaccination.