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RotaShield was used as a vaccination against RotaVirus, which is the most common cause of severe diarrhea among children. More than 50,000 children in the U.S. are hospitalized and more than 600,000 worldwide die from RotaVirus every year. However, RotaShield was withdrawn from the market after it caused several adverse reactions. It was only available from 1998 to 1999.

What are some important things I should know about RotaShield?

RotaShield contained a strain extracted from rhesus monkeys that could invade the small intestines and lead to intussusception. Intussusception is intestinal obstruction and inflammation that causes intense abdominal pain and stools mixed with blood and fluids. People with intussusception will develop fever and go into shock. The condition can be fatal.

RotaShield was used to prevent RotaVirus, but it is no longer available on the market. The only drug now available to vaccinate against the virus is Rotateq. RotaVirus is acquired through contaminated water or food, or touching contaminated surfaces. Children younger than 2 years of age are the most likely people to become infected.

Children and adults who do acquire the RotaVirus usually only experience symptoms for a few days, especially if they are healthy. Few require hospitalization for intravenous fluids.

RotaShield caused intussusception, which caused people to experience:

• intense abdominal pain
• fever
• stools containing blood and mucous
• vomiting
• lethargy
• shallow breathing

You should contact your doctor if you notice any signs of intussusception, which is most likely to occur in children between 5 and 10 months of age. If you or your child was injured because of RotaShield, you should contact a personal injury attorney.