Diarrhea in infants can endanger life through exhaustion, so prevention is very important. Rotavirus is a major cause of diarrhea in infants and young children. With the development of this virus vaccine, it is evaluated that the incidence of diseases has decreased significantly by preventing diarrhea in infants and young children. In Korea, ‘RotaTec’, an overseas product that is drunk in liquid form, has the highest market share (Q3 2018 to Q3 2020).
The rotavirus vaccine, which cost about 200,000 to 300,000 won to complete the vaccination, has been included in the national vaccination program since the 6th of last month, and free vaccination is available at consigned medical institutions and public health centers nationwide.
◇The world’s first vaccine ‘Rotashield’ exit… Afterwards, ‘RotaTec’ was launched.
Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe dehydrating diarrhea in infants aged 3 to 15 months. It spreads easily through the hands and mouth, and is infected by contaminants on diapers and toys. There are also cases where patients have occurred in groups at postpartum care centers and daycare centers.
Before rotavirus vaccination was available, 50,000 to 70,000 children under 5 years of age were hospitalized each year for diarrhea caused by rotavirus in the United States. Worldwide, it is known that about 215,000 deaths of children under the age of 5 occur annually.
In 1998, Wyeth’s first rotavirus vaccine, Rotashield, was approved in the United States. However, the side effect of intussusception, which causes severe intestinal obstruction, was discovered and was withdrawn from the market. After that, new vaccines, GlaxoSmithKline’s ‘Rotarix’ and Merck’s (MSD) ‘RotaTeq’ were released and are dominating the global market to date.
◇”5 serotype vaccines… Coverage of prevention, 99% of all epidemics”
RotaTeq has preoccupied the related market with the rotavirus vaccine approved in August 2007 for the first time in Korea.
RotaTeq has indications for preventing gastroenteritis caused by 5 of the 17 rotavirus serotypes (G1, G2, G3, G4, G9P1A) prevalent in Korea. These five serotypes account for about 99% of all prevalence.
Rotavirus vaccine can be given from 6 weeks of age. Rotateq is administered over a total of 3 doses. The first dose should be given between 6 and 12 weeks of age. Thereafter, additional administration is given at intervals of 4 to 10 weeks between each administration. The third dose should not exceed 32 weeks of age.
Rotateq shows a preventive effect 14 days after the first vaccination. According to the study, no hospital visit (hospitalization or emergency room visit) due to rotavirus infection between Rotateq vaccinations occurred from 14 days after the first vaccination to the second vaccination among 29,417 people. In addition, from 14 days after the second vaccination to the third vaccination, only two cases out of 29,496 occurred.