Info on the Rotavirus vaccine

[Arcadia]

I just thought I would share my experience with the Rotavirus vax. DD had the first two doses and was fine, and then had the 6 month one a bit late (she was over 7 months). Anyway she got quite sick after it, with runny poo etc, so I called my dad (a GP in NSW) and he said that in NSW they only give two doses of rotavirus because they have found it makes babies over 6 months sick.

Anyway, in Victoria, they still give the three doses because they believe it gives better protection.

I just wanted to share, because in future, my children will either not be getting the rotavirus vax, or will only get the first two doses. I was not a happy mum! And DD took over a week to recover!

[2CheekyMonkeys]

i thought that could be a common side effect from any of the installments of the vax.

also, do you think if you had gotten it at 6 months it would have been better or do you think it happened just because she was over 7 months?

[feeb]

I was told that they could get the runs after any of 3 and it was a known side effect, but would not be as bad as them getting rotavirus.

[Arcadia]

Hollo - I think it is just the fact it was a third dose, rather than the fact she was over 6 months.

Also, I know what you mean about runny poo etc being a common side effect, but she was sick! She had diarrhoea for a week, a fever for 48 hours, vomiting for the first 24 hours and was generally very unhappy. I understand that vax's have some side effects, but the fact NSW stopped giving the third dose because of the severity of side effects made me mad! Why would Vic continue to give it, despite the fact NSW doctors believe it has too many side effects?

[Visitor6]

Do you have a link to the evidence behind the NSW decision?

The Victorian guidelines are clear and explain the side effects of each dose within a week of administration.

Rotavirus: Immunisation - Victorian Government Health Information, Australia

I understand your concern, but don't we have to be careful what we put out there?

[Michelle71]

There are 2 different types of rotavirus vaccines - the NSW one is given at 2 and 4 months (2 doses). There is another vaccine that is given in three doses with the last does at 6 months.

http://www.ncirs.usyd.edu.au/facts/r..._june_2007.pdf

[2CheekyMonkeys]

we get three doses in qld too.

is it possible that your little one actually picked up a tummy bug and it just coincided with the vax?
anyway, it must have been very stressful time. i hate it when the kids are sick.

[tenar]

Oh poor you and your poor DD, Anna.

My DD had her 4-month vaccinations yesterday and she's still a very unhappy little person. Her poos have gone all mucousy and she's generally upset. I hope she'll be better tomorrow.

Still, all the same, reading those statistics on the rate of rotavirus infections reminds me why we do this. Thanks for the reminder, Stretcher Bearer. I know this is the right thing to do, and best for DD in the long run.

I hope your DD is fully recovered from her vaccinations soon, Anna.

[Heaven]

anna, I'm sorry your DD got sick!!
That just doesn't seem right that Vic is different? I don't really understand though.
DD didn't get the rotavirus vax.

[kawazuki]

it is australian standard that rotarix is given at 2 and 4 months and not again but if your practice or state is using rotateq then it is given at 2, 4 and 6 months.

the runs and general unwellness is a side effect no matter which dose.

study has shown that the rotarix is gentler on the baby and hence why it is more commonly used.
i only administer rotarix for this reason and also the less doses of something someone needs the better.

sometimes its the surgeries choice which company they purchase the avccinations through aswell.

[Visitor6]

http://www.nps.org.au/__data/assets/...s_vaccines.pdf

This from the National Prescribing Service a great Australian independent reference on the efficacy of Medications.

I wouldn't say less of something is better, only if it is effective with smaller doses.

As always cost is everything, with governments it's tender processes. With GP's it how good the price is, the number of samples and how good the free pens and coffee scrolls are!!!

[kawazuki]

http://www.nps.org.au/__data/assets/...s_vaccines.pdf

This from the National Prescribing Service a great Australian independent reference on the efficacy of Medications.

I wouldn't say less of something is better, only if it is effective with smaller doses.

As always cost is everything, with governments it's tender processes. With GP's it how good the price is, the number of samples and how good the free pens and coffee scrolls are!!!

they dont give us coffee any more, its lunch now and the free pens and stuff has been stopped we have to buy our own once we run out.. no fair..

but yes it all has to do with cost, i know we get a better rate through blaxo than smith and nephew and a couple opf other brands. which helps keep our running costs down. but also the government funds all these vaccs as they want us to have them