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Arch Dis Child 97:736-740 doi:10.1136/archdischild-2011-301472
  • Review

The promise of immunisation against rotavirus

  1. Adam Finn2
  1. 1Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
  2. 2School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
  1. Correspondence to Adam Finn, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol,, UBHT Education Centre, Level 6, Bristol BS2 8AE, UK; adam.finn{at}bristol.ac.uk
  • Accepted 19 March 2012
  • Published Online First 18 May 2012

Abstract

Infectious diarrhoea is a common disease of childhood. It is estimated to be responsible for over 1.3 million deaths per year, predominantly in resource-poor countries. In wealthy nations, it causes significant morbidity, healthcare burden and associated cost. In both scenarios, the most common cause is rotavirus. This article reviews the experience of primary prevention of rotavirus disease through immunisation and considers the case for extending vaccine use further in Europe and globally.

Footnotes

  • Competing interests AF undertakes both clinical trials and consultancy for both Sanofi Pasteur-MSD and GSK who develop and market rotavirus vaccines in Europe. All funding related to these activities are paid to his employers, University of Bristol and University Hopsitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust. RM has received two travel bursaries from GSK to attend educational meetings.

  • Provenance and peer review Commissioned; externally peer reviewed.