Rotavirus in the Netherlands: Background information for the Health Council

Abstract

Rotavirus can cause a gastrointestinal infection and is common in young children. There are two vaccines available; both have to be administered via the mouth. The Dutch Health Council will advise the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport on how childhood vaccination against rotavirus will be made available. The Minister makes a decision on the basis of this advice. To support the Health Council, the RIVM has put together background information on rotavirus disease. The information includes the number of people in the Netherlands that become ill from rotavirus every year, the effectiveness and safety of rotavirus vaccines, and how the public thinks about rotavirus vaccination. A gastrointestinal infection caused by rotavirus is common during the winter months, particularly in children between six months and two years old. The disease is characterized by fever, vomiting and diarrhoea. Usually, rotavirus disease resolves by itself without problems, but can be severe resulting in dehydration. This happens more often in young children, premature children, children with low birth weight and children with congenital problems. These severe cases may need to be admitted to the hospital. Treatment for dehydration consists of oral or intravenous rehydration. In rare cases, a child dies.