rotavirus_vaccine_flashcards

Question 1

What is rotavirus and why is it a major public health problem?

Answer 1

Rotavirus is a major public health problem, causing significant morbidity and hospital admissions in the developed world and childhood mortality in the developing world.

Question 2

When was the rotavirus vaccine introduced into the NHS immunisation programme?

Answer 2

In 2013.

Question 3

What type of vaccine is the rotavirus vaccine?

Answer 3

An oral, live attenuated vaccine.

Question 4

How many doses of the rotavirus vaccine are required and at what ages?

Answer 4

2 doses; the first at 2 months and the second at 3 months.

Question 5

Why should the first dose of the rotavirus vaccine not be given after 14 weeks + 6 days?

Answer 5

Due to a theoretical risk of intussusception.

Question 6

Why should the second dose of the rotavirus vaccine not be given after 23 weeks + 6 days?

Answer 6

Due to a theoretical risk of intussusception.

Question 7

How effective is the rotavirus vaccine and what impact is it predicted to have on hospitalisation?

Answer 7

The vaccine is around 85-90% effective and is predicted to decrease hospitalisation by 70%.

Question 8

Does the rotavirus vaccine offer long-term protection?

Answer 8

Yes, it offers long-term protection against rotavirus.