Is Co-Administration of Rotavirus and Meningococcal Vaccines Safe for Infants?

Co-administration of rotavirus vaccines with meningococcal vaccines does not appear to affect the safety or immunogenicity of the rotavirus vaccine among infant recipients, according to a recent study.

The researchers arrived at their conclusion after performing a systematic literature review of 12 articles that had assessed co-administration of rotavirus and meningococcal vaccines among infants. Of these, 11 articles provided evidence on the safety of rotavirus vaccines after co-administration with meningococcal vaccines, and 5 provided evidence on immunogenicity.

The researchers noted that no papers on efficacy were identified, and that recipients in all studies had received additional routine vaccinations. In their safety analysis, the researchers primarily focused on vomiting, fever, intussusception, diarrhea, and changes in eating habits.

The results of the review indicated that the safety profiles and immune responses associated with rotavirus vaccination among infants who received co-administered rotavirus and meningococcal vaccines were comparable to those of infants who received rotavirus vaccines alone.

“Although data are limited, co-administration of rotavirus and meningococcal vaccines does not appear to interfere with the safety or immunogenicity of rotavirus vaccines,” the researchers concluded.

—Christina Vogt

Reference:
Pereira P, Benninghoff B, Moerman L. Systematic literature review on the safety and immunogenicity of rotavirus vaccines when co-administered with meningococcal vaccines [Published online April 16, 2020]. Hum Vaccin Immunother. doi:10.1080/21645515.2020.1739485