Babies to get boost against deadly virus

Vaccinations for the potentially deadly Rotavirus are to be given free-of-charge to Abu Dhabi babies.
The Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD) have just announced the inclusion of the Rotavirus vaccine into the National Immunisation Programme (NIP) for infants aged two and four-months-old.
The director of public health and research in HAAD, Dr. Omniyat Al-Hajeri said: “Immunisation is an important component of public health. The incidence of many infectious diseases is dramatically decreased after introducing vaccination worldwide.”
Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrhoea in childhood worldwide and data from 2009-2010 shows 50 percent of gastroenteritis is due to Rotavirus. According to the World Health Organisation, (WHO) more than 500,000 children die each year from the disease, making it the most common form of diarrhoeal mortality in the world.
Infection is often accompanied by vomiting and fevers as well as diarrhoea which can result in dehydration.
Countries that introduced the immunisation of Rotavirus were reported to have reduced cases of severe gastroenteritis by 40 to 90 percent.
Al-Hajeri said: “People should understand that by continuously protecting themselves with vaccination, the cases of many infectious diseases will continue to decrease.”
There are currently two brands of vaccines available on the market – one that requires two doses and one that requires three. HAAD reminded parents to be aware of which brand their child receives for follow-up injections.
The NIP was initiated in 1980 to reduce the financial burden of preventable diseases on the health system. The immunisations are available, free of charge to Abu Dhabi residents, at Seha-run clinics and hospitals.