Rivar

With the RIVAR project, we are providing vulnerable babies with additional protection against stomach flu and diarrhea. RIVAR stands for Risk-group Infant Vaccination Against Rotavirus. Rotavirus is the main cause of stomach flu and diarrhea in babies and toddlers. Babies who are born too early or too small, or with a congenital disease of for example the heart or intestines, are especially vulnerable to this virus.

The project uitklapper, klik om te openen

With the RIVAR project, we are offering vulnerable babies extra protection against stomach flu and diarrhea. RIVAR stands for Risk-group Infant Vaccination Against Rotavirus. Rotavirus is the main cause of stomach flu and diarrhea in babies and toddlers. Babies who are born too early or too small, or with a congenital heart or gut condition are especially vulnerable to this virus. By vaccinating babies with the rotavirus vaccine they are protected against it. Vulnerable babies in particular can benefit greatly from this vaccination. They are often more severely and longer-lastingly ill from the rotavirus than healthy babies. In the RIVAR project, vulnerable babies are offered the rotavirus vaccination in the hospital where they are being treated. The pediatrician determines which babies are eligible using standard criteria.

Rotavirus vaccination uitklapper, klik om te openen

Rotavirus vaccines have been available for about ten years now. In many countries, babies receive this vaccine as standard to protect them against stomach flu and diarrhea.

In the Netherlands, the rotavirus vaccine is still relatively unknown and is hardly ever used. It is an oral vaccine. So babies don't get a shot, but drops in the mouth. They receive the first dose of rotavirus vaccine when they are about eight weeks old. This can, but does not have to, be done at the same time as other vaccinations from the National Vaccination Program. They receive the second dose at three or four months of age. Sometimes a third dose may be needed, given one to two months after the second dose. 

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What does the RIVAR project deliver?

The RIVAR project is, on the one hand, a pilot phase for nationwide introduction of rotavirus vaccination for vulnerable infants. The experiences of the twelve pilot hospitals with the RIVAR program will help us determine how to do this most effectively in the future. On the other hand, the RIVAR project is providing a lot of knowledge about the efficacy of rotavirus vaccination specifically in vulnerable babies. And whether, for example, adjustments to the dosage schedule are necessary.