10 November 2012
RCGP Response to DH Rotavirus Announcement
Commenting on the announcement today (10/11/12) by the DH that children under four months will be vaccinated against rotavirus from September next year, Dr Clare Gerada, Chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, said:
"There are around 140,000 cases of rotavirus in under fives every year, many of which result in a visit to the GP. As well making the children unwell, it can be distressing for parents.
"There are around 140,000 cases of rotavirus in under fives every year, many of which result in a visit to the GP. As well making the children unwell, it can be distressing for parents.
"Anything we can do to prevent this illness should be seen as a positive development and we welcome the announcement of the vaccination programme for young babies. Parents should be reassured that it can be easily incorporated into the routine childhood immunisation programme."
Further Information
RCGP Press office - 020 3188 7574/7575/7576
Out of hours: 0203 188 7659
press@rcgp.org.uk
Notes
The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 46,000 family doctors working to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on education, training, research and clinical standards.