Immunisation

There is new evidence from Australia and overseas studies suggesting a small increased risk of intussusception in infants following Rotavirus vaccine. The increased risk appears to occur mainly in the first 1 - 7 days following the first dose of Rotavirus vaccine.

Professor Jim Bishop, Australia's Chief Health Officer, recommends that immunisation providers continue to vaccinate young infants against Rotavirus but that they inform parents and carers of the rare risk of intussusception and how to be alert for the signs and symptoms of the condition.

Key Points

1. Inform parents and carers of young infants receiving rotavirus vaccine of the rare risk of intussusception following the vaccine and how to be alert to the signs and symptoms of the condition.
2. Do not give rotavirus vaccine outside the recommended age limits.
3. Do not give rotavirus vaccine to a baby with a history of intussusception.
4. Report any cases of intussusception following rotavirus vaccination through SAEFVIC at: www.health.vic.gov.au/immunisation/general/saefvic

In addition, the Commonwealth has developed a number of resources to assist immunisation providers and parents - see attached:

  Rotavirus vaccine and intussusception information for providers February 2011
  Rotavirus vaccine and intussusception Summary information for providers
  Rotavirus vaccine and intussusception information for parents February 2011
  TGA Web Report 18 February 2011