Rotavirus
Information about the Rotavirus Immunisation Program funded under the Immunise Australia Program.
Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe gastroenteritis in infants and young children, causing around half of all hospitalised cases of gastroenteritis in children less than 5 years of age. Children can be infected with a rotavirus several times during their lives. Rotavirus spreads by contact with infected faeces and probably through faecally contaminated food, water and respiratory droplets.
The illness can begin abruptly with vomiting 1 to 3 days after infection, often before the onset of diarrhoea. The spectrum of illness ranges from mild, watery diarrhoea of limited duration to severe, dehydrating diarrhoea with vomiting, fever, and shock. Symptoms generally resolve in 3 to 7 days.
Rotavirus is a vaccine preventable disease. Rotavirus vaccination is recommended as part of routine childhood immunisation. It is listed on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedule and funded for children under the Immunise Australia Program. To receive rotavirus immunisation, visit your local doctor or immunisation provider. It is important to note that the vaccine is provided at no cost, however a consultation fee may apply.
This Program commenced in July 2007 and provides free rotavirus vaccine for all children born on or after 1 May 2007. Doses of vaccine are given at 2 and 4 months of age, or 2, 4 and 6 months of age, depending on the vaccine used. There are strict age limits for the use of rotavirus vaccines. Immunisation against rotavirus is achieved using single-disease vaccines.
For information about immunisation in your area contact your State or Territory Health Department. For technical information or information about vaccines, refer to the rotavirus section of the Australian Immunisation Handbook 9th Edition 2008 (NHMRC).
Page last modified: 05 May, 2009