Rotavirus

[LadyLou]

Hi

Just after some info on the roatvirus vacine. I didn't know that there was one until now....

Has anyone had their child immunised? When can it be given? What does it protect against? How much did it cost?

My DS contracted this virus when he was 18 months old - it was absolute hell, he ended up in hospital for a few nights. I'd love to be able to protect our DD against it.....

Thanks

[mum2peanut]

Yep my DD had it. It only came out last year, it's called Rotarix. It's not that well known yet and not a lot of people have had it as it's quite expensive. It's two doses of oral syrum, it needs to be given by 6 months, and I think there needs to be four weeks between each dose. It's cost about $110-120 each time, and if you are in a health fund you get a small, very small, portion back, about $20. I personally thought it was worth the money. You need to get a prescription from your Dr and have to order it into most chemist as it's not kept in stock.

[bigglet]

http://www.gsk.com.au/resources.ashx/vaccineproductschilddatadownloads/110/File/1986BA4EE03CCA10A577EC27AECE11AA/CMI_Rotarix.pdf

I believe this vaccine is going to be part of the government schedule for next year?

[bigglet]

There are different viruses/strains but generally once you have had it then you do become immune to it to a certain extent. Most children will get some form of gastro virus before they are 2 years which means they do become immune to it.

The vaccine is offered to young babies because a baby with it can be fatal - it was recommended to me if your children mixes with a lot of other children (ie. Childcare).

The government does plan to bring it out as part of its immunisation schedule which means hopefully in future we won't have to pay for it.

oh meant to add that the vaccine is new to Australia (within last year or so) - it's been around in the US and other countries before but Australia had yet to approve it.

[~Emmylou~]

DS's paediatrician offered it to us at his six week check and he said that he should have it before 3 months.
It was about $180 per dose I think from memory.
We didn't have it because he won't be in daycare until he is at least 12 months old, and DD has already had a couple of bouts of rotavirus. Although it was unpleasant it wasn't the worst thing she's had. I'm a bit wary about vaccinating against everything under the sun so we decided not to.

[~Kristin~]

My DD has had 2 of the 3 Rotarix doses, and each time they have been around the $80 mark, with some money refunded by MBF (I think it was about $16 a dose - Baby Brain still???).

Each dose around 6 weeks apart, all 3 due before she is 6months.

[defa]

I hads my bub done she got her first does at 3 months and second at 4 months if they get it before there 6 months they only need 2 dose..
I work in a childrens hospital and i am so glad i had last year of as it was the worst Rota year we have had we had kids everywhere with it and some of them were really sick.
If it keeps my baby out of hospital the $110 per dose is well worth it..

Shop around for it thought i went to about 6 dífferent places and got different prices at all of them $110 was the cheapest will i think about $40- $50 back from health fund..

[TeamAwesome]

My DS recently had the Rotavirus and both my children are too old for the vaccine but I will be getting it for our baby and telling anyone I know to get it too.

this is the info I found out when I googled it for myself when DS had it. from Child, Youth and Women's Halth Services website (http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetails.aspx?p=114&np=303&id=1437)


Vaccines
Two vaccines against rotavirus are available for infants in Australia. They are given orally (by mouth).

Rotarix - which is given in 2 doses at 2 and 4 month of age
RotaTeq - which is given as 3 doses at 2, 4 and 6 months of age.Vaccination will reduce the risk of severe rotavirus gastroenteritis by 85 to 100% and any rotavirus gastroenteritis by about 70%.
The rotavirus vaccines have undergone some of the largest and most stringent testing in clinical trials ever seen for any vaccine.
Although these vaccines are safe and effective, they are not currently funded under the Australian National Immunisation Program. The cost of a course ranges from $220 to more than $350. Prescriptions for these vaccines can be provided by family doctors and paediatricians and they can be purchased at pharmacies.


HTH
Natalie

[Mrs Dolphin]

My DD is 4months on the 5 April - is it too late for her to start the Rotavirus immunisations does anyone know? I have only just found out about the immunisation that is available?

thanks

[mum2peanut]

I think you should be right to do it. If you do it now they will be before she's 6months and you can have the six wk break i between.

[bearsmummy]

I wish i had known that this vaccine existed before my DS2 got it about 20 months ago just after DS3 was born. :(
It was horrible, my usually very very active child became so sick and was so quiet for over a week and even had to go to hospital because of it.
I would have to say it would be well worth the money and i know ill pay it when i eventually have the next bub.

Thanks for the info :)

[Harlequin]

I'm confused... can't babies get the vaccine after 6mths?
I was thinking of getting it for Ava but she's already over 4mths. Can she still get it?