Other Vaccinations

Many other types of vaccinations are available.

Rotavirus

Rotavirus is the most common cause of diarrhea, cramps, and vomiting in infants, and affects about 3.5 million children in the US each year. As many as 80% of small children become infected with the virus. Although most cases in this country are mild, more than 50,000 American children are hospitalized and as many as 125 die from severe diarrhea every year. Worldwide the virus can be devastating, causing up to one million infant deaths annually. There is also some strong evidence that the virus may lead to childhood diabetes.

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An oral vaccine (Rotashield) has been withdrawn after reports of a severe and even life-threatening condition called intussusception following use of the vaccine. Intussusception occurs when the bowel slips inside itself like a telescope and obstructs the intestine. The risk was very small and occurred within a week or two of the vaccination. Any child who previously had the vaccination no longer incurs any increased risk. Preliminary reports suggest that newer rotavirus vaccines may be highly effective in preventing infection among infants, although more research is needed to confirm these findings and to determine its safety record in a large number of children. The association between diabetes and the virus itself raises some alarm that the vaccine may also increase the risk in children who are genetically susceptible to diabetes type 1.

Nevertheless, because this is a deadly virus for many children worldwide, international groups believe that the few cases of intussusception do not warrant withdrawing its use at least for countries where the infection is so common and deadly.

Click the icon to see an x-ray of intussesception.

Rabies