Vaccine "Rotatec": manufacturer, instruction, analogues, reviews

Health of the offspring is something that primarily cares for diligent parents. At the heart of this is the instinct of procreation, inherent in humans genetically. In addition to this prosaic reason, parents are driven by unconditional love for their children. For centuries, mankind has been thinking about how to protect a fragile organism from aggressive agents threatening the child from everywhere. Research scientists have not gone to waste - experts have developed many vaccines, for example, against such formidable diseases as plague, smallpox, cholera, etc. Thanks to these necessary measures, modern humanity does not know the terrible pandemics that occurred in the Middle Ages. Vaccines for many diseases have now been created, including such a common as rotavirus infection.

Rotavirus: what is its danger?

Rotavirus is a specific microorganism that causes symptoms in a sick person similar to enteritis. It is also called "intestinal flu" and "sickness of dirty hands". The last name is due to the fact that it is possible to become infected with such a virus without observing the basic hygienic postulates. Unfortunately, this is the sin of children - they become, first and foremost, the target of infection.

Symptoms of rotavirus disease increase rapidly, as a rule, accompanied by high fever and dyspeptic disorders - vomiting and diarrhea. The danger for young patients is that dehydration of the child's organism can occur literally in a matter of hours. It has been proven that adult people carry the infection easily and without consequences, but the kids are under threat. Especially those who attend kindergartens, playgrounds and other places with a large crowd of people. In addition, rotavirus can bring to the territory of the apartment sick adults. It is known that a person begins to isolate the virus two days before the manifestation of bright symptoms and continues to spread it about two months after the completion of the disease. Therefore, the probability of contracting this disease at least once in life reaches 100%.

According to statistics, every sixty-fifth child is hospitalized for infection with this virus. Therefore, the vaccine "Rotatek" for the child will be very appropriate and certainly protect it from a dangerous infection. In addition, it will allow to develop long-lasting and long-lasting immunity against an aggressive microorganism.

Rotatec - reliable protection against rotavirus

Rotavirus infection is not a one-time illness - it has several serotypes, so you can get sick again. To prevent this, the Rotatec vaccine will help, since it contains the genomes of the main strains of the virus.

This drug acts on the principle of producing in the body of the vaccinated child antibodies to the five major serotypes of rotavirus, the diseases that have been registered around the world since the early 70s of the last century. It is from the point of view of developing an immune response to the invasion of the virus that the Rotatec vaccine can help. The manufacturer of the drug is the United States of America, the company is Merck Sharp and Dome, and the product is packaged and packaged on the territory of the Netherlands. Accordingly, the excellent quality of the drug can not be doubted.

Vaccine "Rotatec": description of the preparation, composition, pharmacodynamics

The drug proved to be effective and was included in the calendar of mandatory vaccinations in many countries. On the territory of the Russian Federation, such a decision has not yet been made, so those who wish to buy this vaccine themselves. The description of the drug, which is given in the article, will be useful for such a category of parents. Immediately it is worth mentioning that this tool is not intended for injection - only oral administration is provided. The Rotatec vaccine has a pale yellow color, but a pinkish tinge is allowed, which is not a deviation from the norm.

As already mentioned, it contains five major serotypes of rotavirus - from G-1 to G-4, as well as a reassortant called P1A. These are living fragments of the genomes of the bovine and human virus. To improve the taste and perception of the drug children are added such auxiliary substances as sucrose. Among other things, the composition includes sodium hydroxide, polysorbate and other constituents. This is necessary in order to preserve viral cultures in the best way. The vaccine "Rotatec", a photo of which can be seen in the article, is packed in polyethylene tubes with a volume of 2 ml (single dose). Some containers are provided with a protective individual foil case.

Why is it decided to develop a tool called Rotatec? The vaccine was created because of the high pharmacodynamics of rotavirus on the planet. Numerous statistical studies indicate that RV affects about 95% of children under the age of 5, causing acute gastroenteritis followed by dehydration (dehydration). As a result of hospitalization, up to 71% of cases are subject. There are also lethal cases, since the ailment poses the greatest danger for infants. Annually in the world about 140 million children become ill with "intestinal flu". In this regard, many countries have decided to introduce this drug into a mandatory vaccination calendar.

The vaccine against rotavirus infection "Rotatek" met expectations - the incidence has significantly decreased, and the number of severe cases decreased several times. It has been successfully applied by over 40 states. There is one feature that also significantly affects the effectiveness of the drug - a combined viral component. This means that the composition of the tool includes separate fragments of the infectious agent in order to cause the most adequate immune response of the body.

Vaccine "Rotatec": instructions

The drug, created due to the development in the field of genetic engineering, as already mentioned, is quite successfully used in practice. According to the annotation, the remedy is used only in infancy. The Rotatec vaccine (the instruction contains detailed information on its use) is introduced three times with an interval of at least a month. The first dose is recommended to be administered no earlier than 6 weeks and not later than two months of age of the child. The end of the vaccination should not be later than the baby reaches eight months. There are several important nuances concerning the use of the drug:

• If the child spews out the contents from the mouth, you should not re-enter the vaccine, as there is no such clinical experience and the consequences can be unpredictable. The remaining doses must be entered according to the calendar time.
• Premature babies are allowed to recommend a vaccine, but are not born before the 25th week. Introduce the baby the drug is necessary at the age of one and a half months.
• Studies have shown that the Rotatec vaccine does not affect the immune response after parallel inoculation with other drugs (from diphtheria and tetanus, pertussis pertussis, polio, etc.).

Indication for use is the prevention of the incidence of rotavirus infection of five main types.

The storage conditions of the preparation are just as important as the timing, since an incorrect tuba content can lead to a loss or change in the basic properties of the vaccine. The temperature at which it is necessary to store the drug should not exceed the mark of +8 ° C. The lower threshold of the temperature amplitude is + 2⁰ С. Freezing the vaccine is strictly prohibited. In addition, the place of its maintenance should be dark, with moderate humidity and inaccessible to children. Apply the drug immediately after opening and at a temperature of no more than + 25 ° C. As a last resort, an open vaccine may be stored under temperature conditions for not more than two days.

Rules for drug administration

This chapter has specific information, which, rather, is intended for medical personnel who are vaccinated. But parents also have the right to know the whole mechanism in order to track its correctness and to be sure of the further effectiveness of the drug. The first thing you need to do before any vaccination is to undergo a mandatory examination with a pediatrician. It must be borne in mind that the doctor should carefully consider the parents' survey on the child's illnesses, the presence of allergic reactions, and assess the current state of the small patient. If there has already been a vaccine introduction, the doctor details its effect on the child's organism.

Only after a thorough examination, the pediatrician decides to vaccinate. Before this, the doctor is obliged to warn parents of the possible consequences and unwanted reactions, which are extremely rare, but are encountered. According to the generally accepted vaccination schedule, the first oral administration of the drug should ideally take place when the infant is 6 weeks old. The medical professional uses the following algorithm:

• It opens the container, takes out the dispenser and, holding it vertically, by tapping the upper part of the tube, removes the remnants of the drug located in the tip area.
• It breaks the tightness of the dispenser, puncturing it with a sharp tip located inside the cap (scrolling to the stop).
• The dose is administered cautiously and slowly, directing it to the inside of the cheek of the baby, until the tube is almost completely emptied.
• Disposal of the remnants of the drug and its container is carried out in accordance with the instructions for neutralizing biologically hazardous waste.

There are a few more points that should be clarified. For example, is the Rotatec vaccine assigned to a child of 4 years? The answer is unequivocal - no. At the age of 33 weeks, this drug does not make sense. In other words, as the four-year or sixteen-year-old children, and adults, including the elderly, this remedy is not assigned. But in the case of incompetence of the doctor and ignorance of the parents, the first dose of the drug may be unreasonably introduced. If this happens, then the vaccination should be completed in accordance with the scheme. It should be noted that there is no risk of late vaccination, but clinical studies in this area are not sufficient to prescribe the drug at an older age. Therefore, strictly up to eight months, this process must be completed.

Adverse Reactions

Like any medication, Rotatec, a vaccine against rotavirus, can cause unwanted reactions. The following list is made taking into account the frequency of their occurrence:

• The most undesirable and alarming symptom that is possible with the use of this drug is intestinal obstruction. Fortunately, this situation is very rare.
• Equally exclusive is hives.
• A little more often, but very rarely there is bronchospasm or inflammation of the middle ear.

• Occasionally, cases of nasopharyngitis and various types of mild rash were recorded.
• With a high degree of probability after vaccination, there may be hyperthermia, diarrhea, and rarely vomiting.

It is necessary to know that mild indisposition is not an obstacle to vaccination.

Contraindications

Nevertheless, this drug also has absolute contraindications, in the presence of which its oral administration is categorically prohibited:

• Intussusception (obstruction) of the intestine, previously observed in the patient's anamnesis;
• An immunodeficiency virus or a suspected condition;
• Malformations of the gastrointestinal tract;
• Acute conditions accompanied by hyperthermia, vomiting, diarrhea;
• Allergic reactions to one of the components of the vaccine or intolerance of its components.

To relative contraindications it is possible to carry the following cases:

• Malignant neoplasms;
• Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in the acute stage;
• Diversified developmental delays;
• Recent blood transfusions.

In such situations, use the vaccine with extreme caution. Also, the drug should not be used earlier than when the child reaches the age of 6 weeks.

Opinion of specialists

Experts note the high effectiveness of the drug "Rotatek" (vaccine). Comments (Komarovsky, by the way, about her rather high opinion) say that, according to observations of pediatricians, the drug significantly reduces the incidence of vaccinated children in seasonal peaks of epidemics. Among other things, doctors say that this measure, if not completely protected from a viral agent, will certainly reduce the risk of a complicated course of the disease. What else is remarkable, according to the opinions of specialists, the vaccine "Rotatec"? Komarovsky Evgeny Olegovich - a well-known pediatrician, whose trusted advice is trusted by many parents - believes that the drug is able to protect against rotavirus infection in 80% of cases and with 100% probability will save from complications and serious health problems. In general, he positively responds about this vaccine and recommends its use, unless, of course, there are contraindications.

Parents' comments

What do parents think about such a remedy as the Rotatek vaccine? Reviews about it come mostly positive. Some, however, doubt whether it is worth doing another vaccine, which is already quite a lot, but after talking with pediatricians and parents who have already used the vaccine - they change their mind.

Those who went on vacation abroad, are very happy that they have protected their children from infection. After all, on the road and unusual conditions a small child is especially prone to disease. There are responses when mothers breathe a sigh of relief, that they had time to vaccinate the child before they fell ill themselves. Feeling the severity of the symptoms of this ailment (although it is much easier to transfer adults), parents happily report that the vaccinated child did not get sick even in an infected home environment. Therefore, the vaccine "Rotatec" reviews deserved positive.

Of course, there are dissatisfied users who are not satisfied with the cost of the drug (indeed, quite high), since not all have the opportunity to pay for a single dose of the vaccine 3200 rubles (prices vary depending on the region). Some complain about the lack of this position in their city. But about the effectiveness of the drug called the vaccine "Rotatec" there are no complaints. On the contrary, the vast majority of parents recommend it for use.

Are there analogues?

For those who wish to make their child such a vaccine, but at the moment does not have the financial capacity, it is recommended to replace the drug called Rotatec. Analogues are not numerous, or rather, it is presented in a single copy. The drug "Rotaryx" (cost about 700 rubles) has similar properties. There is no alternative yet.

By its action on the body and the formation of immune mechanisms, it is absolutely analogous to the Rotatec vaccine. It is produced by the United Kingdom, in particular, the Glaxo Smith Klein Company. This drug is slightly different in composition (different auxiliary substances), but otherwise it is almost the same - has the same side effects and contraindications, the method of application, as well as the timing (from 6 weeks). Infants can be vaccinated up to six months of age, but the scheme for the administration of the drug involves the use of two doses. In addition, if the child has abundantly regurgitated immediately after the introduction of the vaccine, then you should re-enter the dose into the oral cavity (with the use of the drug "Rotatec" this is excluded). The instructions say that after the onset of a year of age the use of the vaccine will not bring a result, since the risk of the disease gradually decreases as the intestinal microflora develops.

Only the parents are entitled to make a final decision on the use of the vaccine. Therefore, they should be made aware of all possible information regarding the vaccine and warned of potential side effects.