Vaccines are developed in order to prevent hospitalizations and fatalities due to rotavirus infection.
Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe diarrhea among babies. Most children are infected with rotavirus at least once, by 5 years of age.
Rotavirus is a resistant and stable virus that can stay on objects (like toys) for days.
This is why it spreads easily in nurseries, kindergartens and at homes.
Better hygiene and sanitation do not provide protection from rotavirus.
Severe diarrhea, vomiting and fever are serious causes of dehydration which might, in some cases, result in death of children.
Excess loss of fluids and minerals is the most serious health problem during childhood.
Diarrhea caused by rotavirus might result in the hospitalization of children for intravenous treatment.
Vaccination is the best way to protect children against rotavirus.
Like all other vaccines, rotavirus vaccines also help the production of antibodies for the babies to be immune to rotavirus when they are infected.
Unlike many other vaccines, rotavirus vaccines are applied orally and do not contain injections.