Rotavirus vaccine for infants now available for free

New Brunswick health officials are urging parents to get their infants vaccinated against rotavirus.

The oral vaccineis now part of the province's routine immunization scheduleand has been available forfree since June to children who are less than15 weeks old.

"I absolutely recommend that children who are eligible for this vaccine receive it," Na-Koshie Lamptey, the regional medical officer of health in Fredericton, said Wednesday.

"I think it's an important opportunity to protect their health."

Rotavirus causes severe diarrhea and vomiting, which can lead to dehydration, serious illness,and hospitalization.

About 35 children in the province were hospitalized with rotavirus last year, Lamptey said.

3 outbreaks this year

The virususually affects children between the ages of six months and two years but can cause outbreaks when it spreadsto other peoplewho come into contact withinfected stool, or a surface contaminated with the infected stool, she said.

New Brunswick had about four or five outbreaks last year and has already had three so far this year, said Lamptey.

"So we're so excited to have that opportunityavailable for prevention here in New Brunswicknow," she said.

The voluntary vaccine is administered in two doses, at the ages of two months and four months.

The provincial government added the vaccine to the routine immunization schedule, based on the recommendation of public health officials, said Health Minister Victor Boudreau.

Nearly $300,000 was set aside in the budget to cover the costs, he said.