Study: Vaccine Reduces Rotavirus Illness

Young children whose doctors vaccinate most children against rotavirus are less likely to get sick with this virus, a new study finds. The study focused on about 1,500 children under age 5. They received care in 68 doctor’s offices. About 100 had diarrhea and vomiting caused by rotavirus. About 725 had these symptoms, but with another cause. Another 670 had a respiratory virus. The offices were divided into 3 groups. In those defined as “low coverage,” less than 40% of babies got the vaccine against rotavirus. About 80% of those in high-coverage offices got the vaccine. Medium coverage was between the two numbers. Researchers also looked at the causes of vomiting and diarrhea for each office. Tests confirmed rotavirus in about 31% of children in low-coverage offices. The number was 10% in high-coverage offices. The journal Pediatrics published the study.