The rotavirus vaccine has been added to Nova Scotia’s publicly funded childhood immunization program and will be available to babies born on or after Nov. 1, the province said Friday.
The rotavirus vaccine is given orally to babies at two, four and six months of age, at the same time as other routine infant immunizations.
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Rotavirus is a highly contagious, easily transmitted virus that causes gastrointestinal illness in children. It typically affects children between three and 24 months of age.
The virus, according to the government, is also the most common cause of serious diarrhea in babies and young children, and the most common symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea and fever.
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Other vaccines given to Nova Scotia children at two, four and six months of age include diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio and Haemophilus influenza type B.
To get the rotavirus vaccine along with other scheduled vaccinations, the province advises people to take their infant to a health-care provider or contact their local public health office.
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