Canada's pediatricians say all babies in Canada should be vaccinated against rotavirus. They're calling for public funding of the vaccine, which is not currently covered by any provincial or territorial health plan.
According to the statement by the Canadian Paediatric Society, rotavirus is the most common cause of serious diarrhea in babies and young children.
The virus spreads easily from one person to another and can also be spread indirectly, by sharing contaminated toys for example. The infections usually last three to eight days, can cause dehydration, and cannot be treated with antibiotics.
"Almost every child will develop diarrhea caused by rotavirus at some time in their life, with symptoms of fever, vomiting and diarrhea," said Dr. Robert Bortolussi, chair of the CPS Infectious Disease and Immunization Committee in a news release.
"The highest risk for severe illness occurs in the first two years of life."
Two rotavirus vaccines are currently approved for use in Canada, and both are effective at reducing the incidence and seriousness of infection, the CPS says.
The vaccine is given orally in two or three doses, starting at six weeks of age and ending no later than eight months. It can be given to babies at the same time as other regular immunizations.
"Both vaccine preparations are about 98 per cent effective in preventing severe illness that might otherwise lead to hospitalization," said Dr. Bortolussi. "The vaccine is very safe."
The Canadian Paediatric Society says between 500 and 600 children need to be hospitalized every year because of rotavirus infections, and worldwide, rotavirus is thought to cause up to a million deaths in infants annually.
The CPS says a universal rotavirus vaccine program would eliminate many of these illnesses and hospitalizations.
