New breath for rotavirus vaccines

New vaccines against rotavirus, the leading cause of severe childhood gastroenteritis worldwide, are on the threshold of introduction into immunization programs in affluent nations. A reduction of the health burden and costs of severe rotavirus disease in these countries should be evident within 2–3 years of vaccine introduction. However, realizing the full potential of these vaccines will require demonstration of their efficacy and ensuring their affordability in the poorest populations where rotavirus kills >500,000 children annually.

Section editors:Gary Woodnutt – CovX, San Diego, USAPaul-Henri Lambert – Centre of Vaccinology, University of Geneva, Switzerland