Immunise kids free against rotavirus

CASEY parents are being encouraged to take advantage of a free immunisation available for their children against rotavirus.
Rotavirus is a severe form of gastroenteritis found among infants and young children and causes nearly 600,000 child deaths worldwide each year.
It is estimated that each year in Australia in children under five years of age about 10,000 end up in hospital, 115,000 require visits to a GP, there are 22,000 emergency visits and one death due to rotavirus.
“While Australian health standards have greatly reduced the mortality rate of this disease, rotavirus can still cause serious illness among children so parents are encouraged to protect their children through immunisation,” Casey manager of community safety Caroline Bell said.
“Council has received supply of the new Rota Teq vaccine, which is taken orally rather than by injection, making it pain free for the infant.”
The vaccine is given at two, four and six months of age, effective from the first dose and has long-term efficiency. For more information contact 9705 5200.
The first dose of Rota Teq must be given before 12 weeks of age and the third dose should be given by 32 weeks.
The oral rotavirus vaccine Rota Teq does not protect against all vomiting and diarrhoea but is effective against the severe symptoms of rotavirus.
It provides coverage for five of the most common strains of rotavirus.
The vaccine is available now through the council’s environmental services team for infants that are 12 weeks of age or under.