Rotavirus, a common and highly contagious virus, can bring discomfort and concern when it affects young children. It manifests through symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain, which can be particularly distressing for infants. The reason is that they can quickly become dehydrated due to the loss of fluids and essential salts through diarrhea and vomiting. Extensive studies have shown its effectiveness in preventing severe rotavirus illness and hospitalization.

To protect your little one, the STIKO (Standing Committee on Vaccination) recommends the oral rotavirus vaccine for all infants,

• at 6-12 weeks of age. 

• It's important to know that the rotavirus vaccine is a live vaccine, containing weakened versions of the virus that do not cause the disease. 

• This vaccine can be administered alongside other infant vaccines, such as the six-fold vaccination, without any issues.

While the rotavirus vaccine is generally well tolerated, some infants may experience temporary side effects such as fever, diarrhea, vomiting, or irritability. There is a slightly increased risk of invagination, a condition where one portion of the intestine folds into another, following the first dose of the vaccination. 

• It's important to understand that the overall risk remains low. Based on current knowledge, approximately 1 to 2 additional cases of invagination can occur per 100,000 vaccinated children. 

• As the risk of invagination tends to increase with the infant's age, it is recommended to initiate the vaccination series as early as possible and complete it within a reasonable timeframe, ensuring your child's protection against serious illness.

• If your child experiences severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or bloody stools within the first week after receiving the oral vaccine, it is crucial to have them promptly examined by a doctor.

To ensure the vaccine's effectiveness, it is advised not to breastfeed infants for about an hour before and after receiving the vaccine. While the rotavirus vaccine guards against rotavirus-induced diarrhea, it does not provide protection against diarrhea caused by other gastrointestinal pathogens or intolerance.

By following the recommended vaccination guidelines, you are taking a significant step in safeguarding your child's health and well-being. 

Resources:

https://www.impfen-info.de/impfempfehlungen/fuer-kinder-0-12-jahre/rotaviren/

https://www.rki.de/EN/Content/infections/Vaccination/recommandations/04_23_englisch.pdf?__blob=publicationFile