Starting March, Rotavirus National Immunization... For Infants Aged 2 to 6 Months

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] The first national vaccination against 'Rotavirus,' which causes acute diarrhea and abdominal pain in infants and young children, will take place in March.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency announced on the 16th that starting from the 6th of next month, the rotavirus vaccine will be introduced as a national vaccination.

Rotavirus causes severe diarrhea and vomiting in infants and young children, spreads easily, and can cause outbreaks in postpartum care centers and daycare centers.

However, previously it was an optional vaccination, requiring parents to bear the full cost of 200,000 to 300,000 KRW on average for 2 doses (Rotarix) or 3 doses (Rotateq), or only partial support was provided by some local governments. With the introduction of the rotavirus national vaccination, it is expected that infant health will be protected while reducing the financial burden on parents.

Rotavirus National Immunization Guide Poster. [Photo by Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency]

The national vaccination targets infants aged 2 to 6 months, utilizing both types of oral vaccines currently approved for use in Korea (Rotarix, Rotateq). Rotarix requires 2 doses at 2 and 4 months of age, while Rotateq requires 3 doses at 2, 4, and 6 months to achieve sufficient preventive effect.

Both vaccines have been proven effective and safe through multi-year clinical trials. Studies show that with complete vaccination, the incidence of rotavirus infection decreases by threefold, and side effects such as mild fever, diarrhea, and vomiting occur at about 1-3%. Parents can freely choose the vaccine, but it is important to note that after the first dose, all subsequent doses must be completed with the same vaccine.

Additionally, simultaneous administration with other vaccines is possible, so it can be given on the same day as other infant vaccinations with similar standard schedules, such as hepatitis B or pneumococcal vaccines. Vaccinations can be received at designated medical institutions and public health centers nationwide regardless of the address, and the status of nearby vaccination centers by vaccine type can be checked on the Vaccination Helper website.

Ji Young-mi, Director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, said, "Rotavirus vaccination is widely implemented in 114 countries worldwide, and among the 38 OECD countries, 24 have already adopted it as a national vaccination, proving its effectiveness and safety. We expect that the introduction of the rotavirus national vaccination will reduce the financial burden on parents and provide stronger protection for our children during their earliest stages of life," she said.