ABU DHABI, June 16th, 2013 (WAM) -- The Health Authority - Abu Dhabi (HAAD), the regulatory body of the health-care sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, has announced today the inclusion of the Rotavirus vaccine into the childhood immunisation program for children at the age of 2 months and 4 months.
Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe childhood diarrhea worldwide and of diarrheal mortality in poor countries. The infection is often accompanied by vomiting and fever and can lead to dehydration. The infection may last for 3 to 8 days. Children may stop eating and drinking while they are sick. Currently there are two types of Rotavirus vaccine available in Abu Dhabi. Both vaccines are effective and safe. One type is given in 2 doses and the other in 3 doses. Parents have to make sure that their children continue with the same type. World data shows that nearly every child between the ages of 3 and 5 years will be infected with rotavirus infection. According to World Health Organization statistics, after implementation of rotavirus vaccine, cases of severe gastroenteritis (inflammation of stomach and small intestine) caused by the rotavirus decreased dramatically by 40% - 90% after just a few years of implementation. Dr. Farida Al Hosani, Manager of Communicable Disease, HAAD, while addressing a press conference, said, "The one-year data (2009 - 2010) from one of the UAE's hospitals shows that about 50% of gastroenteritis is due to Rotavirus. As a result, the Rotavirus vaccine will be very effective and protective for people in the community." Dr. Omniyat Al-Hajeri, Director Public Health and Research in HAAD said, "Immunization is an important component of public health. The incidence of many infectious diseases is dramatically deceased after introducing vaccination worldwide and some infectious diseases have been eliminated, such as polio. People should understand that by continuously protecting themselves with vaccination, the cases of many diseases will continue to decrease."Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2013.
