Rotavirus Vaccines

In developing countries, severe gastroenteritis caused by rotavirus is a leading cause of childhood illness. Even though rotavirus infects children in all countries worldwide, regardless of income status, 82% of deaths occur in developing countries, most likely because of insufficient healthcare systems. Infection rates with rotavirus remain high despite improved sanitation, and vaccination is the best control strategy. The 2 licensed rotavirus vaccines are designed to provide protection against rotavirus gastroenteritis caused by the most common worldwide rotavirus serotypes.