STIKO advises despite deaths to rotavirus vaccine

After the vaccination recommendation for a primary immunization of children against rotaviruses due to two deaths was withdrawn in France, vaccine-critical physicians and parents had also expected similar steps in Germany. However, according to the statement of the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO), "this does not result in any consequences for the Rotavirus vaccination recommendation made by the STIKO."

In France, the rotavirus vaccine recommendation was suspended after two deaths related to the rotavirus vaccine. The children had developed so-called intestinal invaginations (intestinal invaginations), according to the statement of the Paul Ehrlich Institute (PEI). In addition, observational studies in several countries have suggested that "rotavirus vaccines are associated with an increased risk of intussusception, primarily within seven days of vaccination," reports the PEI.

Vaccination recommendation withdrawn in France
However, the institute's experts conclude that it remains unclear "whether rotavirus vaccines influence the overall incidence of intussusception based on longer follow-up times." While STIKO and PEI would continue to assess the safety of rotavirus vaccination, the consequences for the rotavirus vaccine However, the vaccination recommendation taken from the current development in France can not be drawn, the official statement. A week ago, the "Haut Conseil de la Santé Publique" as the responsible institution in France had withdrawn the recommendation on rotavirus vaccination in children. The cause was two cases of fatal intestinal invagination.

Significantly increased risk of intestinal invagination
According to the PEI, bowel invasion is "an altogether rare disease that occurs especially in children within the first year of life." The incidence in Germany is about 60 to 100 cases per 100,000 infants within the first year of life. A quick reduction by the doctor leads to healing for most sufferers, but more complicated courses might require surgery. If the intestinal invagination remains undetected for too long, not infrequently it has fatal consequences.

Parents should pay attention to possible symptoms after vaccination
According to the PEI, paediatricians should "definitely inform parents that intussusception can occur in the context of a rotavirus vaccine and how to recognize it at an early stage." Symptoms of intestinal invagination include cramping constipation, refusal to eat, vomiting, unusual crying and blood To call a chair. In this country, the vaccine against the rotavirus since August 2013 recommended by the STIKO as standard vaccination in small children. The Paul-Ehrlich-Institut is currently preparing a Germany-wide epidemiological study to further investigate the risk factors of intestinal invagination. (Fp)

Picture credits: Sandra Werner