Rotavirus vaccine offered for babies in West Berks

Rotavirus infection is the most common cause of gastroenteritis (vomiting and diarrhoea) in children under five and nearly every child will develop rotavirus gastroenteritis by five.
Rotavirus gastroenteritis is responsible for 130,000 visits to the GP.
Public health consultant for health protection in Berkshire, Dr Kakoli Choudhury, said: “The new vaccine will provide protection to those young babies who are most vulnerable to complications arising from rotavirus.
“This vaccine is being offered alongside a baby’s other childhood vaccinations. Although good hygiene measures can help prevent spread of the disease, the best way to protect your baby from catching rotavirus is to get them vaccinated.”
The chairman of West Berkshire Health and Wellbeing Board, Graham Jones, said: “This is an important new preventative vaccine. GPs should be offering it or contacting you to let you know it's available.
“Or you can ask your GP at your next visit.”