Global and Swedish review of rotavirus vaccines showed considerable reductions in morbidity and mortality

Rotavirus infections cause severe gastroenteritis in small children, with both high morbidity and mortality. The rotavirus vaccine has been recommended by the World Health Organization since 2009 and was being used by 108 countries by 2019. It joined Sweden's national immunisation programme that year, after 5 years of selective regional use. This review summarises the baseline facts and evidence, the most common vaccines and the global direct and indirect effects, with a special focus on Sweden. Conclusion The vaccine has had a considerable impact on global and Swedish morbidity and mortality, but some indirect effects and socioeconomic differentials need research.

Automated summary

Rotavirus infections cause severe gastroenteritis in children, and the vaccine has been recommended by the World Health Organization since 2009 and is used by 108 countries. Sweden included the vaccine in its national immunization program in 2019, and further research is needed to study the global and Swedish impacts of the vaccine.