For prevention of severe rotavirus disease, and the deadly dehydrating diarrhea caused by it, rotavirus vaccines offer the best support.

According to studies published in the April 2012 special supplement to the journal Vaccine, this is especially true in settings with little resources, where rotavirus infection treatment is limited or unavailable.

“Rotavirus Vaccines for Children in Developing Countries,” shows data of the rotavirus vaccine performance. This is to help maximize impact in developing countries and to add to the body of evidence that rotavirus vaccines are safe, cost-effective intervention that can save the lives of children.

Rotavirus is the leading cause of fatal diarrhea in infants and young children, and diarrhea is one of the top two killers for children under the age of five worldwide. Rotavirus causes over 450,000 deaths per year in children under the age of five. It is also one of the main causes for hospitalizations and clinic visits.

Developing countries such as Africa and Asia who are eligible for GAVI Alliance support to introduce rotavirus vaccines are where 95 percent of rotavirus deaths occur.

"Swift and significant declines in hospitalization and deaths due to rotavirus and all causes of diarrhea have been observed in many of the 30 countries that have introduced rotavirus vaccines into their national immunization programs to date," said Dr. Umesh Parashar, co-editor of the supplement and Lead, Viral Gastroenteritis Epidemiology Team, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC. "These important studies provide critical insights on factors that contribute to varying efficacy of rotavirus vaccines in different populations and will help guide future research and vaccine development efforts."

"A better understanding of the science and performance of rotavirus vaccines allows developing countries, which shoulder 95 percent of the global death toll from rotavirus, a vital opportunity to save more lives," said Dr. Kathy Neuzil, co-editor of supplement and incoming Director of the Vaccine Access and Delivery Global Program at PATH. "In addition to saving the lives of children, accelerating access to rotavirus vaccines by GAVI and its partners will also lessen the tremendous economic and health burden of rotavirus disease."

Source:

"Rotavirus Vaccines for Children In Developing Countries," edited by A. Duncan Steele, Kathleen M. Neuzil and Umesh D. Parashar Vaccine, Volume 30, Supplement 1, Pages A1-A196 (27 April 2012) published by Elsevier. 

Four child deaths in three days has forced Japan's health ministry to suspend pediatric vaccines made by Pfizer after reports of four deaths following immunizations using the brand name Prevenar. The deaths of the children occurred from March 2 to March 4, the ministry said. Prevenar was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for immediate release to the public on February 24, 2010.

Introduction

Anaphylaxis following immunization is very rare—about one case per 1.5 million doses of vaccine.[1] However, immunizing pharmacists must be ready to respond quickly with each immunization, because anaphylaxis can occur without warning at any time. Classic anaphylaxis is mediated by a class of antibodies called immunoglobulin E. In such cases, the individual was exposed to one or more antigens in a vaccine dose earlier in life and became sensitized. However, the allergen does not have to be in the same form at reexposure. For example, an individual who is truly allergic to eggs (a rare situation) may have had an exposure to eggs in his/her diet and then experience an anaphylactic reaction when receiving an influenza vaccine.

Screening for History of Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. Anaphylaxis is a rapid-onset, progressive, clinical syndrome involving at least two organ systems.[2] The combination of cardiac, respiratory, and skin or mucosal symptoms are most specific. Cardiorespiratory symptoms are required for a diagnosis of anaphylaxis. Rhinitis, hives, or asthma symptoms alone are not sufficient for anaphylaxis diagnosis. Individuals may report an "allergy" to a vaccine or excipients that may not be a contraindication to immunization. For example, sensitivities to latex or neomycin often consist of contact dermatitis. Individuals who can eat eggs generally can receive an influenza vaccine safely.[3,4]