Starting Tomorrow, 'Rotavirus' National Vaccination... Targeting Infants Aged 2 to 6 Months

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

The first national vaccination against 'rotavirus,' which causes acute diarrhea and abdominal pain in infants and young children, will begin tomorrow.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency announced on the 5th that the national rotavirus vaccination program will start on the 6th.

Rotavirus is easily transmitted through contaminated objects such as diapers or toys to the hands and mouth of infants and young children, and infection can cause vomiting, high fever, and severe diarrhea, sometimes leading to dehydration requiring hospitalization.

Previously, vaccination was optional, costing parents an average of 200,000 to 300,000 KRW for 2 doses (Rotarix) or 3 doses (Rotateq), with support only provided by some local governments. Now that the rotavirus vaccine is part of the national essential vaccination program, it can be administered free of charge at nationwide designated medical institutions and public health centers regardless of the child's residence. Even if the first dose was paid for before the national program started, the remaining 2nd or 3rd doses needed to complete the vaccination series can be received free of charge.

The national vaccination targets infants aged 2 to 6 months, utilizing both types of oral vaccines currently approved in Korea (Rotarix and 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.

Rotarix and Rotateq are classified as monovalent and pentavalent vaccines based on the number of serotypes included, but both vaccines have shown similar effectiveness and safety in preventing rotavirus infection and severe illness prevalent in Korea. Parents can freely choose the vaccine, but it is important to complete all doses with the same vaccine after the first dose.

Ji Young-mi, Director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, said, "With the introduction of the national rotavirus vaccination, we expect to reduce the financial burden of about 200,000 to 300,000 KRW on parents and decrease the incidence of rotavirus infections causing acute diarrhea and high fever in infants."