What is the prevalence of rotavirus (Rotavirus) infection in infants in the United States (US)?

From the Guidelines

Rotavirus infection is nearly ubiquitous among infants in the United States, with almost every child infected by age 5, although vaccination has significantly reduced its prevalence and severity. The introduction of rotavirus vaccines in 2006 has led to a substantial decrease in rotavirus-related illnesses, hospitalizations, and emergency department visits among U.S. children 1. Before the widespread use of vaccines, rotavirus gastroenteritis resulted in approximately 410,000 physician visits, 205,000-272,000 emergency department visits, 55,000-70,000 hospitalizations, and 20-60 deaths annually among children under 5 years old in the United States 1. Some key points about rotavirus infection in infants in the U.S. include:

• The virus typically peaks during winter and spring months (December to June)
• Since vaccination implementation, there has been a dramatic reduction in rotavirus-related hospitalizations and emergency department visits in U.S. children
• Rotavirus vaccination (either RotaTeq or Rotarix) is recommended for all infants starting at 2 months of age as part of the routine immunization schedule to prevent this potentially serious infection 1. The effectiveness of the vaccination program has shifted the epidemiology, making rotavirus less common but still a concern for unvaccinated infants or those too young to complete the vaccine series. Given the significant reduction in morbidity and mortality associated with rotavirus vaccination, it is crucial that all infants receive the rotavirus vaccine as part of their routine immunization schedule. Key statistics on the prevalence and impact of rotavirus infection before and after the introduction of vaccines include:
• Nearly every child in the United States was infected with rotavirus by age 5 before the vaccine era
• Approximately 80-90% reduction in rotavirus-related hospitalizations and emergency department visits in U.S. children since vaccination implementation
• Current estimates suggest around 200,000 emergency room visits and 55,000-70,000 hospitalizations yearly in children under 5 years, with the highest incidence in infants 6-24 months old.

From the Research

Prevalence of Rotavirus Infection in Infants in the US

• The prevalence of rotavirus infection in infants in the US has decreased significantly since the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine in 2006 2, 3.
• Studies have shown that hospitalizations for acute gastroenteritis among US children have declined dramatically, with a 45% reduction in hospitalization rates during the 2008 rotavirus season compared to the pre-vaccine era 2.
• The implementation of routine childhood immunization against rotavirus has rapidly and dramatically reduced the large health burden of rotavirus gastroenteritis in US children, with a significant decrease in hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and outpatient visits due to gastroenteritis 3.
• The rotavirus vaccine has been shown to be effective in preventing severe acute gastroenteritis, with a vaccine effectiveness of 78% against rotavirus-associated ED visits or hospitalization 4.
• The vaccine has also been shown to confer protection against common circulating genotypes, with a higher effectiveness in children under 3 years of age 4.

Reduction in Rotavirus Infection Rates

• The introduction of the rotavirus vaccine has led to a significant reduction in rotavirus infection rates, with a decline in severe rotavirus-related hospitalizations and emergency room visits 3, 5.
• Herd immunity has also been noted after routine rotavirus immunization, with a decrease in rotavirus infection rates among children who are not vaccinated 5.
• The reduction in rotavirus infection rates has been sustained over time, with continued monitoring showing a significant decrease in hospitalizations and emergency department visits due to gastroenteritis 4.

Vaccine Effectiveness and Safety

• The rotavirus vaccine has been shown to be safe and effective in preventing severe acute gastroenteritis, with a low risk of adverse events 6, 4.
• The vaccine has been well tolerated in hospitalized preterm infants, with no significant increase in nosocomial infections, gastrointestinal complications, or feeding difficulties 6.
• The risk of viral shedding and transmission between vaccinated neonates and household contacts remains low, and does not outweigh the benefit of vaccination 6.