The world's first hexavalent rotavirus vaccine was launched for administration in Guangdong province on April 16, with full rollout in the districts of Baiyun, Conghua, Zengcheng and Huadu in Guangzhou, the provincial capital.

The Reassortant Rotavirus Vaccine, Live, Oral Hexavalent (Vero Cell) was developed by the Wuhan Institute of Biological Products under China National Pharmaceutical Group (Sinopharm). The first doses have been administered to eligible infants at community health centers.

The hexavalent rotavirus vaccine is now available in Baiyun district. [Photo/WeChat account: gz_baiyunfabu]

Rotavirus is a leading cause of diarrhea in children under 5 years old and a major contributor to acute gastroenteritis in this age group. The virus is highly contagious, requiring only a small number of viral particles to cause infection, and is resistant to common disinfectants.

Liu Jinhui, head of Pediatrics at the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University in Guangzhou, warned about the severe impact of the virus, noting that vaccination is the most effective and economical method to prevent severe rotavirus gastroenteritis.