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Intussusception Rates and Rotavirus Vaccine
Pediatrics; ePub 2016 Aug 24; Tate, Yen, et al
The increase in the intussusception hospitalization rate in children 8 to 11 weeks after the majority of first doses of rotavirus vaccination are consistent with recent US postlicensure studies; however, given the recent decline in rotavirus disease compared with the small increase in intussusception, the benefits of rotavirus vaccination outweigh the increase risk of intussusception. This according to a study of intussusception hospitalization in US children <12 months of age for 26 states from 2000 to 2013. Trends were analyzed by age groups (6 to 14 weeks, 15 to 24 weeks, and 25 to 34 weeks) based on the recommended ages for vaccine administration as well as 8 to 11 weeks when the majority of first doses are given. Researchers found:
• There was no consistent change in intussusception hospitalization rates among all children <12 months of age and among children 15 to 24 weeks and 25 to 34 weeks.
• The intussusception hospitalization rate for children aged 8 to 11 weeks was significantly elevated by 46% to 101% in all years except 2011 and 2013, compared with the prevaccine baseline (11.7 per 100,000).
Tate, JE, Yen C, Steiner CA, Cortese MM, Parashar UD. Intussusception rates before and after the introduction of rotavirus vaccine. [Published online ahead of print August 24, 2016]. Pediatrics. doi:10.1542/peds.2016-1082.
This new information is consistent with previous information about the increase in the rate of intussusception, a rare occurrence, after rotovirus vaccination. This is something that some parents may ask about and relative risk discussions can be challenging. It is important to convey that the vaccine protects against rotovirus infection, which is a common cause of serious respiratory illness in infants that can lead to hospitalization and death, and that these benefits far outweighs the small increase in risk associated with the rare occurrence of intussusception. —Neil Skolnik, MD