Research priorities regarding rotavirus vaccine and intussusception: A meeting summary

Currently available rotavirus vaccines have been associated with a small increased risk of intussusception (∼1–2 cases per 100,000 vaccinated infants) in some populations. In response to this newly emerging data on intussusception related to current rotavirus vaccines, a group of technical experts convened by the Program for Applied Technology in Health met to review the data, establish what gaps in knowledge exist, and identify what future research is needed. This manuscript outlines the evidence that is currently available and the research agenda that was generated during this meeting. It also highlights the need for countries that are using or considering introducing the rotavirus vaccine to evaluate both the benefits and risks of vaccination.

► In 2009, WHO recommended inclusion of rotavirus vaccines in the routine childhood vaccine programs of all countries.
► Available rotavirus vaccines have been associated with a small increased risk of intussusception in some populations.
► Technical experts met to review the data, establish what gaps in knowledge exist, and identify what future research is needed.