Rotarix/Rotavirus Oral Vaccine

The Rota vaccines were added to the free vaccination list here in Australia for babies born after May 2007.  My baby was born in March 2007 so we had to pay the $400 for her to have the vaccine (three doses).  We were advised to have our baby vaccinated against Rota by our paediatrician, one of the top three paediatricians in the state.  I don't believe that a professional would advise something they persoanlly felt was not important for, or a danger to, their patient.  When in doubt, or if anyone has any question call the vaccination info service, of ask your paediatrician.  You need to know facts and get professional advice about your childrens health and safety, not simply decide you don't like certain side effects, or believe non-professional advice.

Both my children have had the Rotarix Vaccine.  Now I would just like to tell you why:

1. The Rotavirus can be extremely severe often leading to hospitalisation for the child - I was recently hospitalised with Gastro and it was extremely painful and I was extremely sick - no way I am going to put my child through this - if I can help minimise the risk of this happening to them then I will.
2. Peer reviewed research and reports (this is the only style of research to be trusted) advocate the use of the vaccine
3. The government would not have put the vaccine on the immunisation schedule to just "get people out of the hospital system" there are many vaccinations on the market that are not on the schedule - only a select few are deemed to be so important - if they were just trying to decrease the pressure on the hospitals it would probably put the flu vaccine on the schedule and make it compulsory
4. The rotarix is highly infectious and if my children managed to get it and I had chosen not to vaccinate them and then another child who contracted it from them ended up in hospital then I don't think I could forgive myself.

I just want to urge you all before you decide whether or not to immunise your child for the rotavirus please not only research the vaccines on the internet but also ask your doctor and if you are not happy with their explaination ask another doctor. (I am NOT a doctor just someone who believes in vaccinations)  After all - everything has side effects - it's interesting this brings up such debate - believe it or not you can get Blood Disorders from taking Panadol (a rare side effect see: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/public-health/psb/chronic_pain/pf_faq5.html) but are you not going to take it next time you have a headache or fever or give it to your child.

thanks kelly for sharing this information with us and i'm sure that it will help others too

hugs and kisses

hi kelly,

my bub had opposite reaction he was blocked up for 2 and a half weeks after having it, before which he went every day! i too did some research and came to the same conclusion, that it was just another government ploy to ease the pressure on hospitals! and in all my years in the health industry i was always taught that any tummy bugs should be allowed to run their course so as to rid the stomach, intestines etc of the bug, this vaccine seems to contradict that theory, i can tell you this though my bub wont be having the second installment!

they wont given my lil man that vacination coz it came out on the 1st may n he wasborn 29th april. pretty silly if u ask me!

whats a couple of days anyway that was his due date but he decided to come on his own day

Hi, Ellamia,

thanks for sharing.  The link you gave directs you to a page that is full of information.  Maybe you could actually link to a page on the vaccine you are speaking of.  Is this one given in Australia?  The webpage is from the US.  And at 2 months, I don't really remember Harrison getting an oral vaccine!

thanks kelly for sharing your information with us

hugs and kisses