Use of Two-dose Rotavirus Vaccine Series to Improve Vaccination Rates

Reduce Disparities in Care
Improve Outcomes
Promote Health & Healthy Communities

Why is this important?

Rotavirus causes gastroenteritis, and symptoms include severe watery diarrhea and vomiting which can lead to significant dehydration requiring hospitalization. This infection most commonly occurs in infants and young children. We observed that the vaccination rate of one of the most commonly used vaccines, Rotateq®, was lower for Medicaid patients than for non-Medicaid patients.

What we did

We reviewed the recommended vaccine schedules and efficacy for the two most commonly marketed rotavirus vaccines. Rotateq requires a three-dose series, and Rotarix® requires a two-dose series. Starting in May 2016, eligible Medicaid patients received the two-dose Rotarix series.

Results

Using a two-dose rotavirus vaccine series to improve vaccination rates

Rotavirus vaccination rates increased after our intervention of using the two-dose Rotarix series.

Updated October, 2018