Rotavirus Vaccination - Part II

Not being satisfied by the explanation given by Ryan's first paed that it is too late to take the first dose of rotavirus vaccination, I have consulted another paed friend. We were worried about the possible infection that Ryan might get. The infection sounds serious and we definitely do not wish to see Ryan on drips and being hospitalised.

We were told that it is still possible to take the first dose before he turns 6 months and take the second dose one month later. According to him, the reason why, the first dose is recommended to babies before the 3rd month is because, babies of that age are most vulnerable and at risk. Being so young, serious dehydration would have adverse effects on the infant. It is not recommended to babies older than 6 months, largely because their studies showed that the percentage of babies in the studied group having already contacted the rotavirus is there, and hence the vaccination would no longer be effective for them. However, children who have not been infected could still get the rotavirus vaccination before their 6th month birthday.

To ease our worries and fears, we went ahead this morning to get Ryan his first dose of Rotavirus vaccination. His second would be 4 weeks from now. For now, our heart is a little at ease, knowing that we have tried our very best to protect him from this infection. God willing, he will grow up into one healthy boy.

Vaccination is not cheap though since we took it at a private clinic. It cost us RM170. Ironically, we were told that medical bills including vaccinations are cheaper at Damansara Specialist Centre as compared to private clinics outside. Not sure how much this is true though.

Too late to take Rotavirus Vaccination!!

I discovered sometime last month that our paed did not recommend Ryan to take the rotavirus vaccination. I asked one of our paed friend and he said he should take it before his six months birthday. So yesterday, when Ryan went for his second Pneumococcal vaccination, we asked him to give Ryan his rotavirus vaccination as well. To our horror, he said that it's too late now because the first dose must be given before the baby reaches the THIRD MONTH! OMG! We asked him why were we not informed and he casually replied, "I have a big poster hanging outside." We were totally speechless!

Now, the only resolution I have is to seek advice from my paed friend to see whether it is at all possible to give Ryan his Rotavirus vaccination. Otherwise, he would have to be extra careful with his food and intake less he gets infected. Rotavirus will affect children from 6 months to 5 years of age! If we could not get the vaccination, the next 4.5 years would be a constant concern. Sigh!

For the benefit to first time expecting mothers, please insist that your baby get his/her rotavirus vaccination. The first dose is normally taken during the 2nd month. There are two oral doses.

Rotavirus can be caught easily through simple everyday contact. Being a virus, hand soaps and other cleaning products cannot kill it and it can survive for weeks on toys and household surface. Rotavirus is a common stomach virus and symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting and fever. Diarrhea can occurred up to 20 times a day and last up to 9 days. In serious situation, this would lead to serious dehydration where the baby would require hospitalisation.

The rotavirus vaccination is targeting 5 of the most common virus that causes 95% of infections worldwide.

You can get more information at http://www.target5forbaby.com/

Preventing Rotavirus - Should Ryan have it?

Took Ryan to his paediatrician yesterday to treat his nappy rashes. I asked him about Rotavirus infection and he gave a pamphlet for me to consider giving immunisation to Ryan before his sixth month.

In a nutshell, I gathered that Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrhoea and vomiting among babies with almost all children being infected with rotavirus by 5 years of age. It's also frightening to learn that it is common among babies aged from 6 months to 2 years, with the youngest most at risk of serious disease, hospitalisation and even death if left untreated. And Ryan is 4.5 old months now and would be 6 months very very soon. Emmm...frigthening!

Symptoms of Rotavirus infection include fever 1-2 days after infection with vomiting lasting up to 9 days. Diarrhoea or watery stool may occur up to 20 times per day and persist up to 3 weeks. This would lead to acute loss of fluid and electrolytes resulting in dehydration, requiring hospitalisation.

Rotavirus is reportedly spread very easily, highly infectious and transmitted via faecal-oral route as well as person to person via infected hands, toys, objects and surfaces.

As if this is not enough to cause anxiety, there is apparently no specify medicine or treatment for rotavirus infection and the child would have to rely on his or her own natural antibodies. All the hospital could do is to rehydrate (replace lost fluid) the child.

My paediatrician tells me that the immunisation comes in two doses of oral medicine taken one month apart. Immunisation is apparently useless after the baby turns 6 months old.

Any advice or comment from experienced parents out there on this issue? I guess I would probably get Ryan to get this immunisation at the end of this month when he goes for his next jab. Better to be safe than sorry.