http://www.cdc.gov/od/oc/media/pressrel/r990715.htm
July 15, 1999
Contact: CDC, Division of Media Relations
(404) 639-3286
CDC Recommends Postponement of Rotavirus Vaccine for Infants
CDC recommends that healthcare providers and parents postpone use of the
rotavirus vaccine for infants, at least until November 1999, based on early
surveillance reports of intussusception (a type of bowel obstruction that
occurs when the bowel fold in on itself) among some infants who received
rotavirus vaccine. Although intussusceptions occur among infants who have
not received rotavirus vaccine, CDC will be collecting additional data in
the next several months that may indicate more clearly whether the rotavirus
vaccine increases the risk of intussusception. The recommendation is being
made with the consideration that rotavirus season is still 4-6 months away
in most parts of the United States.
An estimated 1.5 million doses of rotavirus vaccine have been administered
to infants since it was licensed on August 31, 1998. As of July 7, 1999, the
Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) has received 15 reports of
intussusception. The rate of intussusception among children receiving the
rotavirus vaccine appears to be increased in the first 2 - 3 weeks after
vaccination. Parents and caretakers of infants should contact their health
care provider if the child develops symptoms of intussusception (persistent
vomiting, bloody stools, black stools, abdominal bloating or severe colic
pain). Health care providers should be aware of the possible increased risk
and consider this diagnosis among children presenting these symptoms.
Parents and health care providers should report intussusception and other
adverse events following vaccination to VAERS. VAERS reporting forms and
information can be requested 24 hours a day by calling (800)822-7967 or
accessing the World Wide Web at: http://www.cdc.gov/nip/vaers.htm.
In studies done before the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) licensed
rotavirus vaccine for use in the United States, intussusception was noted
among 5 of approximately 10,000 vaccine recipients. This number was not
significantly higher than among placebo recipients in the studies. However,
the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), in its
recommendation for routine rotavirus vaccination of infants, indicated that
postlicensure surveillance was needed for intussusception and any other rare
adverse events that might occur following receipt of the vaccine.
Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrhea in children in the
United States. Virtually all children have one or more rotavirus infections
in the first 5 years of life. Each year in the United States, rotavirus is
responsible for approximately 500,000 physician visits and 50,000
hospitalizations. Severe diarrhea and dehydration occur primarily among
children 3 months to 35 months of age. It is a seasonal disease in the
United States with the vast majority of the disease occurring in the winter
and spring months.
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Cindy Curtis,RN,IBCLC
mailto:[log in to unmask]
http://www.erols.com/cindyrn
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