The rotavirus is one of several viruses that cause stomach upset, which can quickly become serious for a toddler as it leads to dehydration.
A child affected by the rotavirus may need hospital care with drip for several days. From September onwards, the vaccine is therefore offered in the national vaccination program.
- Some regions have already introduced rotavirus vaccination locally, but we have chosen to await the national guidelines that have now arrived, says infection control physician Anders Enoksson to SVT news Halland.
No syringe
However, the child does not need another syringe, this vaccine is taken by mouth. The first dose is given to the child at six weeks and the second at three months.
The vaccine is a live vaccine which means that it contains an extremely small dose of gastrointestinal virus which the child's immune system then builds up its own protection against.
- It's the same as with the measles, rubella and mumps vaccine. It provides stronger protection, says Anders Enoksson.
Are there any side effects?
- It is a well-tested vaccine that has been used for a long time and it has no resemblance to the Pandemrix vaccine that in some children caused narcolepsy, says Anders Enoksson.
An unusual side effect exists where the small intestine slides down a portion of the large intestine and can cause constipation.
Then the children are given laxatives and the condition then passes by itself.
- It is very unusual, but you should know that the risk exists, says Anders Enoksson.
According to the Public Health Authority, society's costs can be reduced by SEK 120 million per year with the new vaccine when children do not have to be treated in a hospital for stomach ailments.