Free vaccine for babies

VACCINES needed to combat Rotavirus gastroenteritis, which causes severe diarrhoea, have gone on to the free national immunisation program.
La Trobe MP Jason Wood said the virus caused nearly 10,000 Australian children to be treated in hospital each year.
“Rotavirus occurs more frequently in young children, with almost half of all cases occurring in babies under 12 months and the majority of cases occurring in children under five years of age,” he said.
“The new vaccine will be given orally to babies from two to six months of age, commencing in July 2007.
“Babies born from 1 May 2007 will be eligible for the free vaccine.”
Parents, carers and immunisation providers should contact the Department of Human Services on 1300 882 008 for further information on the vaccine.