Rotavirus Vaccine (Malaysia): Is It Worth It?

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Rotavirus infections is an issue in developing countries such as Malaysia. The rotavirus vaccine is a life-saving vaccine that can prevent rotavirus, a diarrhoeal disease that can be deadly in young children. However, the universal rotavirus vaccination is quite expensive, costing around RM300 per dose. Is the rotavirus vaccine worth getting? Find out more. 

What is rotavirus disease?

Rotavirus is a virus that leads causes the following symptoms:

• severe diarrhea

• Vomiting

• Nausea

• Malaise

• Dehydration

• Fever

• Loss of appetite

• Stomach cramps

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), rotavirus infections are the second most common cause of death from diarrhoea in children under five years old, killing about 500,000 youngsters each year prior to the implementation of universal rotavirus vaccination programmes. This is due to the fact that rotavirus infection may lead to serious dehydration, which can be deadly in young children

How does one contract it?

Childhood rotavirus infection is contracted by coming into contact with the faeces of an infected person. This can happen through contaminated food or water, or by touching something that has been contaminated with rotavirus and then putting your hands in your mouth.

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Despite the severity of the rotavirus, not many people are aware of it. In fact, rotavirus is often underdiagnosed and underreported. This is because rotavirus symptoms are often mistaken for other illnesses, such as food poisoning or the flu.

In Malaysia, rotavirus cases are often reported in hospitals. In fact, according to a study published in the Journal of Infection and Public Health, rotavirus was responsible for 6% of all hospital admissions due to diarrhoeal diseases in children under five years old in Malaysia.

Types of rotavirus vaccine (Malaysia)

Two types of rotavirus vaccines are available: the oral rotavirus vaccine and the injectable rotavirus vaccine.

The oral rotavirus vaccine is a vaccine that is taken by mouth. It is a live attenuated vaccine which contains a weakened version of the living virus or bacteria that will not cause major sickness in persons with healthy immune systems. This vaccination course is given in a series of two or three doses based on weeks of age.

The first dose is given between the ages of 6 and 12 weeks. Subsequent doses should be provided at least four weeks apart. The vaccine should be administered in three doses before the child is 32 weeks old, or in two doses if the child is 24 weeks old or younger.

The rotavirus vaccine which is given in three doses via injection uses a killed rotavirus. However, it is not practised in Malaysia.

​How much do rotavirus vaccines cost and where to get them?

The human rotavirus vaccine offers adequate levels of defence against severe rotavirus gastroenteritis but can be quite expensive, costing around RM300 per dose. You can get the vaccine from most private clinics and hospitals, as well as your local health clinic. The rotavirus vaccine is usually given as part of the child's routine immunisation schedule. However, it is not part of the national immunisation programme.

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What are other available treatment options?

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Unfortunately, there is no cure for rotavirus. However, it can be treated with the following measures:

• Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

• Take over-the-counter painkillers, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, to reduce any pain or fever.

• Get rest.

• If the child has severe diarrhoea, they may need to be hospitalised so that they can be given fluids and nutrients intravenously.

Prevention of rotavirus infection

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To prevent rotavirus disease, please take the following measures:

• Washing hands thoroughly and often, especially before eating

• Disinfecting surfaces and objects that may have rotavirus on them

• Washing children's hands after they use the bathroom and before they eat

• Wearing gloves when changing diapers

If you are concerned that your child may have rotavirus, or if you would like to get the vaccination, please consult with our doctor online. Our doctors can help advise if rotavirus vaccination is suitable for your child. Contact us at DoctorOnCall to book an appointment.

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