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