Rotarix Vaccine: Update to Clinicians and Public Health Professionals

On March 22, 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued the following advisory to healthcare professionals regarding the Rotarix vaccine, a drug given to infants and small children to prevent Rotavirus, an illness that causes severe diarrhea and dehydration.

Audience: Pediatric and family practice healthcare professionals, public health professionals

FDA is recommending that healthcare professionals temporarily suspend the use of Rotarix, a vaccine used to prevent rotavirus disease. FDA’s recommendation is a precaution taken while the agency learns more about the situation.

FDA has learned that DNA from porcine circovirus type 1 (PCV1) is present in Rotarix. PCV1 is not known to cause disease in humans. There is no evidence at this time that this finding poses a safety risk. Because available evidence supports the safety of Rotarix, no medical follow-up is needed for patients who have been vaccinated with Rotarix.

There are two licensed vaccines for rotavirus in the United States: RotaTeq and Rotarix. For children who have received one dose of Rotarix, CDC advises that clinicians can complete the series with RotaTeq for the next two doses.

Additional information, including information for healthcare professionals and parents, is provided in the document below.

More information and updates on the Rotarix vaccine can be found on the FDA Web site.

see also:

Rotavirus Vaccines FDA info about Rotavirus vaccine drugs | Weitz & Luxenberg attorneys
Drug safety information from Weitz & Luxenberg: FDA addresses concerns regarding the safety of the Rotavirus vaccine drugs Rotarix and RotaTeq.

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