Rotavirus gastroenteritis (RVGE) is a global public health problem that seriously threatens the health of children under 5 years old, causing up to 200,000 mortality of children each year. In China, the burden of RVGE remains substantial and is difficult to prevent and control. Since 2009, WHO has recommended that all countries include rotavirus vaccines in their immunization programs for infants and young children. Rotavirus vaccines are classified as non-national immunization program (non-NIP) vaccines with low vaccination rate. Given the incidence of rotavirus in China, it is recommended that prevention and control guidelines should be developed from a preventive perspective. Additionally, efforts should be made to promote vaccination, support domestic vaccine development, and explore strategies to gradually expand rotavirus vaccination coverage to reduce the disease burden of RVGE among children.
Compared to young and middle-aged adults, older adults bear a higher disease burden and lower immunity against viruses. Some epidemics are more likely to outbreak in places where the elderly gather, such as nursing homes.
Currently, most of China’s regions handle procuring and distributing its National Immunization Program (NIP) and non-NIP vaccines separately. Different entities or stakeholders undertake the distribution of NIP and non-NIP vaccines from the vaccine manufacturers to the county and district-level CDCs.
The susceptibility to infections during pregnancy underscores the importance of vaccinations for disease prevention. Maternal immunization has been proven to safeguard pregnant women, their fetuses, and infants from various infections, and international practices confirm the safety and efficacy of several vaccines for pregnant women.
