2 July 2007

Doctors have been asked to make sure that infants start and finish on the same rotavirus vaccine in the latest edition of NPS RADAR, a publication about medicines from the National Prescribing Service Limited.

Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe gastroenteritis which can lead to dehydration in infants and children under the age of 5 years. Rotavirus-related disease accounts for 50% of all hospital admissions for diarrhoea in children under 5 years.

NPS RADAR reviewed the two oral rotavirus vaccines, Rotarix and RotaTeq. Both vaccines have been listed on the National Immunisation Schedule and each state and territory will choose which vaccine to supply.

“The oral rotavirus vaccines are not interchangeable. Infants who receive a first dose of either vaccine should complete the entire course using that same vaccine,’” Dr Dowden said.

This could be important if a young family was to move interstate during the vaccination period. “Families should inform their doctor if they move interstate to ensure the same vaccine is used,” he said.

Unlike many vaccines, these two rotavirus vaccines are to be given orally, not injected. The liquid dose is administered to inside the infant’s cheek. Oral rotavirus vaccines can be given at the same time as other routine childhood vaccines.

The vaccines do not provide lifetime protection and there is no evidence that one vaccine is more effective than the other.

”Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a copy of the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) about your vaccine or medicine, especially if it is new to you,” Dr Dowden said.

ENDS

NPS RADAR provides independent information about new medicines and changes to PBS listings important to GPs, pharmacists and other health professionals involved in primary care management of patients. More than 24,000 people have registered for NPS RADAR email alerts.

National Prescribing Service Limited (NPS) is an independent, non-profit organisation for Quality Use of Medicines funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.