Rotovirus vaccine for new babies

Published on 10/11/2012 12:53

SCOTS babies under four months will be vaccinated against rotavirus, a vomiting and diarrhoea bug, it has been announced today.

The confirmation of the new vaccination programme, which will be offered to 58,000 infants, follows the recommendation of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.

Immunisation will begin from September next year as the programme cannot start straight away because it takes months for vaccine suppliers to manufacture enough vaccine to meet a country’s needs.

The vaccine will be given to infants as part of the existing childhood immunisation programme.

Minister for Public Health Michael Matheson said: “Rotavirus is the most common cause of diarrhoea in young children and I welcome the use of any vaccine that can protect them”.