Rotavirus Vaccine — A Powerful Tool to Combat Deaths from Diarrhea

Abstract

Rotavirus infection, the leading cause of severe childhood diarrhea in both developed and developing countries, results in over half a million deaths each year.1 Currently, two rotavirus vaccines (Rotarix [GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals] and RotaTeq [Merck]) are licensed in many countries and used routinely in several. Until recently, available efficacy data were from developed and developing countries with relatively low mortality rates among children younger than 5 years of age. In this issue of the Journal, efficacy trials conducted in Africa by Madhi and colleagues2 and a postmarketing study conducted in Mexico by Richardson and colleagues3 are described. The data support the . . .