June 16, 2010

Rotavirus hospitalizations drop dramatically in El Salvador following vaccine introduction

New data from El Salvador published this week in BMJ add to the growing body of evidence demonstrating the dramatic impact of rotavirus vaccines. El Salvador’s Ministry of Health introduced Rotarix® in 2006, and between 2007 and 2009, a full course of the vaccine (two doses) prevented 76 percent of severe rotavirus cases (hospitalizations) among children under two years of age. In children who only received one dose the vaccine prevented 51 percent of severe cases.  

Previous studies in the US, Nicaragua, Mexico, and elsewhere have also shown major reductions in either severe diarrhea and/or rotavirus cases among vaccinated children. The El Salvador study, as well as research in the US, also noted large reductions among children under five years of age even though most vaccinated children were under two years of age, indicating substantial population benefits of rotavirus vaccination.

The PATH Rotavirus Vaccine Trials Partnership is a collaboration between PATH, WHO, the US CDC, clinical study sites, and vaccine manufacturers. The partnership’s activities are funded by the GAVI Alliance.