New Study by CHD’s Brian Hooker and Jacob Puliyel, M.D. Raises Safety Concerns Over Infant Rotavirus Vaccine in India Washington, D.C. –
A study published yesterday in the peer-reviewed journal The International Journal of Risk and Safety in Medicine found that Rotavac, the rotavirus vaccine used in India
increases the risk of…intussusception in infants
Intussusception is a condition where the intestine telescopes into itself and can lead to gangrene of the bowel or death if not treated immediately.
The number of babies developing intussusceptions was highest within a month after vaccination, with risks tapering off over time. They found 93 cases of intussusception in the first 30 days compared to 63 in the next 30 days.
“The first symptom of intussusception is typically the passage of blood and mucus in the stools,” said Dr. Hooker. “Parents can easily mistake this for infectious dysentery, which is more common. Intussusception often requires surgery to prevent death, so parents need to be informed and vigilant.”
