Being a mom just got a little less complicated. RotaTeq®, a new vaccine now available for infants and young children, helps prevent rotavirus, a viral infection that can cause severe diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and dehydration.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrhea among children resulting in 400,000 doctor visits, more than 200,000 emergency room visits, and the hospitalization of approximately 55,000 children each year in the U.S.

By the age of five, nearly every child in the U.S. has been infected with rotavirus. The new vaccine, recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric and UI Family Care physicians, is very effective against rotavirus disease but will not prevent gastroenteritis caused by other viruses. Mary Larew, MD, University of Iowa Children's Hospital pediatrician, recommends that the rotavirus vaccine be part of the routine immunizations given to all infants—three doses by mouth at two, four, and six months of age.

Rotavirus infections are very contagious. Children can become infected if they put their fingers in their mouths after touching something that has been contaminated. Frequent hand washing and isolation are the best tools to limit the spread of rotavirus infection.

Contact UI Health Access, 319-384-8442 or 800-777-8442, to find a UI Family Care clinic near you or UI Family Care.