Rotavirus vaccine

Rotavirus Vaccine

The Rotavirus Vaccine (/ˈroʊtəˌvaɪrəs ˈvæksiːn/) is a vaccine used to protect against rotavirus infections, which are the leading cause of severe diarrhea among young children.

Etymology

The term "rotavirus" is derived from the Latin rota, meaning "wheel", due to the virus's wheel-like appearance under the electron microscope. The term "vaccine" comes from the Latin vaccinus, meaning "of or from the cow", as the first vaccines were derived from cowpox used to protect against smallpox.

Usage

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that rotavirus vaccine be included in all national immunization programs, particularly in countries with high rates of rotavirus-associated severe acute gastroenteritis. The vaccine is given by mouth, and requires two or three doses, which should be given starting around six weeks of age with at least four weeks between doses.

Types

There are two types of rotavirus vaccines: a monovalent (RV1) and a pentavalent (RV5) vaccine. The monovalent vaccine is based on a human rotavirus strain, while the pentavalent vaccine is based on a bovine rotavirus strain.

Related Terms

• Immunization
• Gastroenteritis
• Diarrhea
• Vaccine
• World Health Organization

See Also

• Vaccination schedule
• Vaccine-preventable diseases
• Vaccine efficacy

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Rotavirus vaccine
• Wikipedia's article - Rotavirus vaccine

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