Rotarix vaccine contaminant
Rotarix vaccine has been found to contain an extraneous virus. Fortunately, the “extra” contaminant is unlikely to cause a problem.
Rotarix vaccine protects babies from infection with Rotavirus, an intestinal virus causing vomiting and diarrhea which can be severe. Since the introduction of Rotarix (and a similal vaccine, RotaTeq, from another manufacturer), rates of infection and hospitalization from Rotavirus infection have dropped significantly.
The contaminant is a virus that infects pigs and other animals, but not people (as far as we know). There have been no reports of illness, and I have heard no complaints from my patients about side effects from Rotavirus vaccine. However, it is possible that the current batch of Rotarix may eventually be recalled. (Currently, doctors are being asked to refrain from using their stores, but we’re not yet being asked to return it to the manufacturer.)
– David Epstein, MD
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