[Rotavirus vaccination in France: recommendations of the French Speaking Group of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition]

Abstract

The rotavirus is the major cause of infantile gastroenteritis worldwide. In Europe and in industrialized countries, rotavirus infections bring out considerable economic expenses. In France, the burden of health expenses is particularly marked during winter period, the peak of rotavirus infections coinciding with that of the respiratory syncitial virus bronchiolitis, this specificity results in an increase of nosocomial infections during this period and a saturation of beds in paediatric hospitals. Vaccination likely represents the only efficacious adapted response to rotavirus infections. Two vaccines have recently been developed and licensed in France. The development of these two vaccines has followed two different strategies. Despite their differences, these vaccines are both safe and efficient in protecting young infants against severe rotavirus acute gastroenteritis. French Health Authorities decided to postpone rotavirus vaccination for at least two years. According scientific and economic data, the French Speaking Group of Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition disagrees with this decision and states that rotavirus vaccination is universally recommended for healthy infants under six months.