Rising cases of rotavirus, which can cause fever, vomiting, and severe diarrhea, are raising concern among health officials and health care providers. The highly contagious virus spreads through contact with food or surfaces contaminated with feces or, less commonly, through coughing or sneezing. Rotavirus vaccination rates have declined in recent years, placing unvaccinated infants and young children at higher risk of severe infections and hospitalization. Many social media users shared tips for preventing rotavirus spread and encouraged vaccination. Others downplayed the risks of an infection and claimed, without evidence, that rotavirus cases in children are caused by the vaccine.
Recommendation
Health communicators may help clear up misconceptions about rotavirus by explaining that it can lead to severe illness, dehydration, and hospitalization in infants and young children. Emphasizing that the rotavirus vaccine is very safe and that serious side effects are extremely rare is recommended, as is explaining that it is 70 percent effective against infection, 90 percent effective against severe illness, and around 95 percent effective against hospitalization. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all babies get two or three doses (depending on the brand) of the oral rotavirus vaccine beginning at two months of age.
Fact-checking sources: HealthyChildren.org, Nemours Children’s Health
Communication resources: Read more talking points about pediatric immunization
