Am Fam Physician. 2006;74(6):1014-1015
Synopsis
Rotavirus immunization is back with a live, oral, pentavalent vaccine (RotaTeq) that targets the strains responsible for more than 90 percent of rotavirus gastroenteritis in the United States.1 The pentavalent rotavirus vaccine should not be confused with either the monovalent vaccine (Rotatrix) that is licensed in Central and South America or the earlier tetravalent rotavirus vaccine (RotaShield) that was withdrawn from use because of an increased risk of intussusception. Rotavirus pentavalent vaccine is given as a three-dose series with the first dose given to infants between six to 12 weeks of age and the last dose administered by 32 weeks of age.
| Name | Starting dosage | Dose form | Approximate cost* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rotavirus pentavalent vaccine (RotaTeq) | 2-mL orally at two, four, and six months of age | Liquid | $243 ($81 per dose) |
SAFETY
The safety of rotavirus pentavalent vaccine has been demonstrated in studies that have included approximately 35,000 infants.1–4 Unlike the earlier tetravalent rotavirus vaccine, this pentavalent vaccine has not been associated with an increased risk of intussusception in prelicensure trials.1–4 Statements from the manufacturer and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) are unclear regarding the vaccination of infants who are immunocompromised and infants who have close contact with immunodeficient persons.1–3
The safety of rotavirus pentavalent vaccine during pregnancy has not been established; therefore, the vaccine should not be given to women who are pregnant or lactating. It is safe to give to infants living in households with pregnant women.2,3 Rotavirus pentavalent vaccine does not contain any preservatives, thimerosal, or egg products.1–3 Absolute contraindications include a history of serious allergic reaction to a previous dose of vaccine or history of severe hypersensitivity to any vaccine component.1,3
TOLERABILITY
Rotavirus pentavalent vaccine is well tolerated. Common side effects such as diarrhea, vomiting, otitis media, nasopharyngitis, and bronchospasm occur but only at a slightly higher rate than with placebo.1–4 The manufacturer has not commented on the product’s taste or the likelihood that a dose will be regurgitated. If, for any reason, a dose is incompletely administered, a replacement dose is not recommended.1
EFFECTIVENESS
Approximately 1.4 to 2.5 percent of children in the United States will be hospitalized for treatment of rotavirus infection. In healthy infants who receive the vaccine series as labeled, hospitalization and emergency care for rotavirus gastroenteritis will be decreased by 95 percent.4 In clinical practice, about 94 infants have to be immunized to prevent one rotavirus gastroenteritis episode requiring emergency or hospital care (number needed to treat = 94; 95% confidence interval, 84 to 105).4
Immunization with rotavirus pentavalent vaccine decreases office visits for rotavirus gastroenteritis and decreases lost work days by parents or guardians. Protection lasts at least one year and is 88 percent effective against severe rotavirus disease in the second year following immunization, covering the period when infants are most susceptible.1,4 The three-vaccine series is recommended by the ACIP.2
PRICE
SIMPLICITY
Each 2-mL dose is ready to use and is given orally. It should be refrigerated. Rotavirus vaccine can be administered with other childhood vaccines at two, four, and six months of age or at four-to 10-week intervals beginning at six to 12 weeks of age, with completion of the three-dose series by 32 weeks; vaccination outside of this age group is not recommended.1–4
Bottom Line
Although costly, rotavirus pentavalent vaccine has been shown to be safe, with no increased risk of intussusception. It also has shown to reduce the need for hospitalization and emergency department visits connected with rotavirus gastroenteritis, decrease office visits associated with rotavirus, and reduce lost work days for parents or guardians. Rotavirus pentavalent vaccine can be administered with other vaccinations at two, four, and six months of age. Because it is given orally, it does not add to the number of injections given to infants.