Rotavirus is on the Rise, a Vaccine Can Protect Your Child

Upset stomachs are common among kids and generally not cause for concern. However, rotavirus, a severe and potentially dangerous stomach virus, is on the rise in New Jersey. Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health Pediatricians are urging parents to ensure their child is vaccinated against the highly contagious illness.

"Vaccination is the most effective tool we have to protect our children from rotavirus," says Daniel Ruderfer, M.D., chief of pediatric infectious disease at K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center (JSUMC). "The vaccine has an excellent safety profile and has been proven to prevent severe illness, keeping children out of the hospital and giving parents peace of mind."

Rotavirus Vaccine Prevents Illness

Before the rotavirus vaccine was introduced in 2006, nearly every child in the United States was infected with the virus at least once by their 5th birthday. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this resulted in more than 55,000 to 70,000 hospitalizations and 20 to 60 deaths annually in children under five. Since the vaccine was implemented, the CDC estimates that hospitalizations for rotavirus among young children in the U.S. have dropped by 40,000 to 50,000 each year.

The rotavirus vaccine is given orally in two or three doses, depending on the brand. It’s important for infants to receive the first dose before 15 weeks of age, usually at two months old, with all doses completed by eight months old. "As pediatricians, our goal is always prevention first. Before the vaccine, our emergency rooms saw a constant flow of dehydrated infants. Today, it's largely preventable. We urge all parents to ensure their baby gets this simple but life-saving protection," says Stefan Hagmann, M.D., chief of pediatric infectious diseases at Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center, and professor of Pediatrics, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine.

The Difference Between Rotavirus and a Common Stomach Bug

Although many viral stomach illnesses have the same symptoms as rotavirus, the key difference is the severity. Rotavirus is also more common among children under five. Symptoms include:

• Severe, watery diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Abdominal pain

Rotavirus also lasts longer than other common stomach viruses. While most stomach bugs last 1 to 3 days, rotavirus can persist for up to seven days. Because rotavirus symptoms like diarrhea can last longer, it can cause dehydration and lead to hospitalization.

Next Steps & Resources

• Meet our expert: Stefan Hagmann, M.D. and Daniel Ruderfer, M.D.
• Make an appointment online with a doctor near you, or call 800-822-8905.
• Learn more about our children’s health services.

The material provided through Healthier You is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.