The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 276 No 7402 p615
27 May 2006

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Oral rotavirus vaccine for childhood immunisation launched

A vaccine to provide protection for infants against rotavirus gastroenteritis has been launched by GlaxoSmithKline.

The live oral vaccine — Rotarix — is administered in two doses, given at least four weeks apart. The first dose can be given from the age of six weeks and the course must be completed by 24 weeks of age. The vaccine can be co-administered with other childhood vaccinations, says GSK, however, any decision on the addition of a vaccine against rotavirus into the paediatric schedule will be made by the Department of Health.

In clinical trials Rotarix protected against the most common circulating strains of rotavirus (G1 and G3) and the emerging G9 strain. There was no attributable risk for intestinal intussusception, an adverse event that was observed with a previous marketed vaccine, which was subsequently withdrawn (PJ, 21 January, p66).


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