The High Health Authority recommended this Tuesday, after the re-evaluation of the vaccines, to resume the vaccination of infants from six weeks to six months against rotavirus infections, the main causes of acute winter viral gastroenteritis, to prevent severe forms and hospitalizations.
In metropolitan France, rotavirus acute gastroenteritis is responsible each winter for some 57,000 general medicine consultations, 28,000 emergency visits and 20,000 hospitalizations. Fever, diarrhea, vomiting are the main symptoms. Children under 3 years of age are the most affected by severe forms, especially during the first year, underlines the High Health Authority.
Already recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), the European Academy of Pediatrics and the European Society for Pediatric Infectious Diseases, vaccination against rotavirus infections was introduced in France in 2013 and then discontinued in 2015, after serious Adverse effects.
Two vaccines on the market
Two vaccines, which are administered orally, have marketing authorization in France: Rotarix and RotaTeq. They help prevent infections and severe forms of gastroenteritis. Countries that have achieved vaccination coverage of more than 80% in infants see their hospitalizations decrease by between 65 and 84%.
For parents, the High Health Authority warns of a symptom to take into account: the increased risk of acute intussusception (IIA), which is estimated at up to 6 cases per 100,000 children in the 7 days following vaccination. The High Health Authority recommends systematic information to parents about this risk and, in particular, their knowledge of the suggestive clinical signs: unusual crying, refusal to eat or drink, vomiting, paleness, hypotonia, presence of blood in the stool. If treated in time, this pathology is not serious.
“At this stage, the HAS considers that it is premature to consider making this vaccination mandatory,” however, specifies the HAS.
Vaccinate babies between 6 weeks and 6 months of age.
The High Health Authority recommends the vaccination of all infants from 6 weeks to 6 months, with different schedules depending on the vaccine used:
- two doses at 2 and 3 months with Rotarix
- three doses at 2, 3 and 4 months with RotaTeq
In addition to the vaccine, the High Health Authority recalls that it is essential to respect hygiene measures (washing hands and surfaces), promote breastfeeding and treat symptoms early thanks to the administration of rehydrating solution.
Source: BFM TV
