The latest information on rotavirus vaccines provide more information on the relative benefits (very high) compared to the risks (very low).

• NEJM 2014; 370: 503-12
• NEJM 2014; 370: 513-19
• NEJM 2014; 370: 568-70 -editorial

While the initial marketing studies for Rotateq (Merck) and Rotarix (GlaxoSmithKiline) which each enrolled more than 60,000 infants did not show a significant risk of intussusception, these latest studies do indicate a very low risk for intussusception.

• Risks of intussusception: “approximately 1 to 5 cases per 100,000 infants.” This equates to 45 to 213 cases of intussusception nationwide each year.
• Benefits of these rotavirus vaccines in U.S.: “in the U.S. cohort of 4.5 million babies born each year, vaccination is estimated to prevent approximately 53,000 hospitalizations and 170,000 emergency department visits for diarrhea.”
• In developing countries, the results for vaccination are even more impressive.  In Mexico which has implemented a vaccination program, there has been a 40% reduction in deaths due to diarrhea (NEJM 2010; 362: 299-305).

Related blog posts:

• Protecting the most vulnerable | gutsandgrowth
• Norovirus -now more important than rotavirus | gutsandgrowth