Rotavirus

Is the Rotavirus Vaccine Mandated in State Vaccine Laws? A state-by-state inquiry by NVIC found that, although the rotavirus vaccine is recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), it is not mandated in any state – yet. However, some states have been adding this vaccine as a prerequisite to enrolling in infant childcare facilities. According to the CDC and the vaccine manufacturer package inserts, if a child has not had rotavirus vaccine by 32 months of age, then he/she should not get it at all.

How Do You Treat Rotavirus?
Normally rotavirus does not require special treatment. Rest and fluids to prevent dehydration work well. In more serious cases, it is possible that hospitalization and intravenous re-hydration also may be necessary. In underdeveloped countries that lack sanitation and access to good medical care, including re-hydration therapy for severely dehydrated children suffering with diarrhea, rotavirus infection can be fatal.


Can Rotavirus Cause Injury and/or Death?
There is a gap in medical knowledge in terms of predicting who will have a mild case of rotavirus and who will have a life-threatening or even fatal case of this disease.
Most children need only rest and fluids to recover from rotavirus. However, untreated dehydration from loss of fluids and electrolytes can cause death.

That is why it is important to make sure that your child has plenty of fluids when he/she is sick with any kind of severe diarrhea and is taken to a hospital if there is change in consciousness (excessive sleep or unresponsiveness), high or persistent fever, vomiting, failure to eat, drink or urinate, and other signs that your child may be dehydrated and in need of re-hydration therapy.