Infants in Prince Edward Island will soon be protected against rotavirus which is one of the most common causes of infection and hospitalization in children in Canada, says Health and Wellness Minister Carolyn Bertram.
“Beginning December 1, 2010, government will add the rotavirus vaccine to the provincial immunization schedule,” said Minister Bertram. “This initiative has the potential to make a real impact on the health of infants and their families.”
The new vaccine protects against rotavirus illness. Children born on or after October 1, 2010, will be offered the vaccine when they present for their two-month immunization at Public Health immunization clinics.
“Rotavirus illness is the most common cause of diarrheal infection and hospitalization in children in Canada,” said Deputy Chief Health Officer, Dr. Mitchell Zelman. “Rotavirus is transmitted mainly through the ingestion route, through close person-to-person contact.”
Symptoms of rotavirus illness include diarrhea, vomiting, fever, abdominal discomfort and dehydration. It affects 95 per cent of children worldwide. It is most common in children between six and 24 months of age.
The rotavirus vaccine, Rotarix, was licensed in Canada in January 2010. Millions of doses of the vaccine have been given in the United States and other countries. Rotarix is administered by mouth in two doses at least four weeks apart. Children born on or after October 1, 2010 will be offered the vaccine at clinic visits when they are two and four months old.
Over the next two years, the Department of Health and Wellness will assess the implementation of the immunization program. The review will measure the acceptance rate of the vaccine as well as hospitalization, emergency department visits and costs associated with illness due to rotavirus.
This rotavirus vaccine is recommended for infants by both the National Advisory Committee on Immunization in Canada and the Canadian Pediatric Society. Health PEI is responsible for administering the vaccine through public health nursing locations across the province.