WHO Recommendations for Rotavirus Vaccine

• WHO recommends that Rotavirus vaccine for infants should be included in all National Immunization Programmes.
• In countries where diarrhoeal deaths account for ≥10% of mortality among children aged <5 years, the introduction of the vaccine is strongly recommended.
• WHO recommends that the first dose of either RotaTeq or Rotarix be administered at age 6–15 weeks.
• The maximum age for administering the last dose of either vaccine should be 32 weeks.
• It is recommended that 2 doses of Rotarix be administered with the first and second doses of DTP rather than with the second and third doses.
• This ensures maximum immunization coverage and reduces the potential for late administration beyond the approved age window.
• This schedule will be reviewed as new data become available.
• WHO reiterates that rotavirus vaccines are an important measure that can be used to reduce severe rotavirus associated diarrhoea and child mortality.
• The use of rotavirus vaccines should be part of a comprehensive strategy to control diarrhoeal diseases; this strategy should include, among other interventions, improvements in hygiene and sanitation, zinc supplementation, community-based administration of oral rehydration solution and overall improvements in case management.

References

1. WHO. Rotavirus vaccines: WHO position paper. Weekly Epidemiological Record, No.32, 10 August 2007.
2. WHO. Rotavirus vaccines: an update. Weekly Epidemiological Record, No.51-52, 18 December 2009.