Rotavirus Vaccine on Hold
Source:MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 1999;48:577-581.
Based on concerns of a possible association between the administration of rotavirus vaccine (Rotashield) and an increased risk of intussusception in children, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC are recommending that the use of this vaccine be suspended until the availability of additional safety data. Children scheduled to receive this vaccine, including those who have already begun the series, should not receive it until further notice. Any child who has recently received the vaccine and who develops gastrointestinal symptoms, including persistent vomiting, abdominal distention, severe abdominal pain, and black or bloody stools, should be urgently evaluated. Clinicians should be aware of this possible adverse event and are urged to report this or any other postvaccination event to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System at http://www.nip.gov/nip/vaers. htm (1-800-822-7967). Data from an ongoing case-control study should be available by November 1999.
You have reached your article limit for the month. Subscribe now to access this article plus other member-only content.
- Award-winning Medical Content
- Latest Advances & Development in Medicine
- Unbiased Content