The rotavirus vaccine for your baby’s health

Moncton, May 30, 2017 – Public Health authorities are launching a rotavirus vaccination campaign. The vaccine will be offered free of charge to infants born in 2017 who are less than 15 weeks of age.

Protect your baby, the vaccine is safe and effective!

Starting June 1, 2017, New Brunswick will offer the rotavirus vaccine to infants born in 2017 who are less than 15 weeks of age. The rotavirus vaccine for infants is approved by Health Canada and was added to the New Brunswick Routine Immunization Schedule. The vaccine is safe and effective and it provides protection against the rotavirus that causes severe diarrhea and vomiting. 

“Public Health’s mission is to promote, preserve and protect the health of people in New Brunswick. Both health networks have 29 offices in the province where vaccination will be available starting June 1st. The vaccine can also be administered by your health care provider,” stated Murielle Wade, Assistant Director of Public Health for Vitalité Health Network.

“The addition of this new vaccine to the immunization schedule is the best means to protect your baby and those around baby against many dangerous illnesses, including rotavirus. Immunization is safe, effective and free,” added David Arbeau, Director of Public Health, Fredericton and Upper River Valley areas for Horizon Health Network. 

Here are some details about the rotavirus vaccine:

• The vaccine is administered orally and can be given at the same time as other vaccines;
• The schedule includes two doses of the vaccine administered at two and four months of age;
• The rotavirus vaccine is free of charge and is available at your local Public Health office or from your health care provider.

For more information about the rotavirus vaccination campaign, please visit www.gnb.ca/health.