This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
Rotavirus infections ‘greatly reduced’ after introduction of vaccine
According to figures from Public Health England (PHE), Rotavirus infections have fallen by 84 per cent in England, since a vaccine for babies was introduced in 2013.
The data showed the recorded cases of the stomach bug dropped significantly from an average of 14,510 per year 2005 to 2,287 between July 2015-June 2016.
Rotavirus is a highly infectious bud which can lead to diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps and fever, and is particularly common in under-fives.
Currently the vaccine is offered to babies in two separate doses, at between two months and three months old, alongside other childhood vaccinations.
Dr Shamez Ladhani, at Public Health England, said: "Overall, annual rotavirus laboratory reports are greatly reduced since the introduction of the infant rotavirus immunisation programme in July 2013.
"Rotavirus is contagious, and it is very important to maintain good hand hygiene to help prevent it spreading.
"In most cases, there is no need to see your doctor, because the symptoms usually pass in a few days without any specific treatment - but if symptoms persist, see your GP."
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