What is the rotavirus vaccine?

Rotavirus was once one of the leading causes of severe diarrhea and dehydration in young children worldwide. The vaccines are given by mouth in early infancy and have dramatically reduced hospitalizations and deaths in many countries. They were introduced in the late 2000s after earlier rotavirus vaccines were withdrawn or redesigned because of safety concerns. Current rotavirus vaccines are now a standard part of childhood immunization in many places. They are a major example of how vaccines can prevent common but dangerous childhood infections.