**** HEALTH/WELLNESS Media Release

Rotavirus Vaccine Now Available
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The rotavirus vaccine is now available to babies born on or after Nov. 1, 2019.

The vaccine will be provided through Nova Scotia’s publicly funded childhood immunization program. Babies receive it orally, and it is part of their routine immunizations at two, four and six months of age.

Rotavirus is a highly contagious, easily transmitted virus that causes gastrointestinal illness in children. It typically affects children between three and 24 months of age.

The vaccine is available in family doctors’ offices, primary care clinics and local public health offices.

Quotes:
“When parents take their babies for their two-month check-ups, the rotavirus vaccine is now among the vaccinations they will be offered through the publicly funded immunization program,” said Dr. Robert Strang, chief medical officer of health. “This is an important step forward in protecting infants against common childhood illnesses.”

Quick Facts:
— about 7,900 babies are born in Nova Scotia each year
— government announced Nov.1, 2019 that the rotavirus vaccine would be added to the childhood vaccination program, beginning on Jan. 1, 2020
— the most common symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea and fever
— other vaccines given to children at two, four and six months of age include diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio and Haemophilus influenza type B
— parents or guardians who have questions and want more information should talk to a health-care provider or contact their local public health office

Additional Resources:
The schedule for routine immunizations is available at: https://www.novascotia.ca/dhw/cdpc/immunization.asp

For more information on the rotavirus vaccine as well as other vaccines, visit:
https://www.immunize.ca/diseases-vaccines and https://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/rotavirus_vaccine

For hours and location of your public health office, visit: https://www.nshealth.ca/public-health-offices